brake pad questions, first timer.

[gerard vaglio]

So I just changed my front brake pads and the big secret about doing this is how easy and inexpensive it is. $20 for the front pads.

Since this is my first time I have a few questions for the more experienced among us. I want to make sure I'm not missing something.

First, now I have Mintex in the front and Textar? in the back. There is plenty of meat left on the rear pads, is it a problem to have different brands front to back.

Secondly, I noticed that the guys who did my brakes last time tore one outer dust boot a little, if thats what it's called. Nothing is leaking and the brakes are performing fine. Should I be going in there and replacing it? How hard is that to do?

Finally, this is a 79sc and there are no small retaining clips fitted on the pins, is there suppostabe? I just retapped the pins into place and they don't look like they will go anyplace but I want to do this right.

Just so you know the rotors are new, one year old, and the front pads did not wear down enough to scratch the rotors.

So, what should I know about all this and thanks for the help.