[asphaltgambler]

No doubt that there are two ways to look at this. You absolutely could only replace one caliper, pads, do nothing else. All may be fine... ...and then again it may not.

When it comes to brakes, tires, suspension, oil changes, things of that nature. I would rather go the extra few $$ and be sure that you have a safe, reliable vehicle than to piece it and hope for the best.

Fleet and rental companies take this approach mainly because it is the cheapest service route and the vehicle life span is short (to them) besides, they usually have good insurance.

With the age and the mileage on your truck I'd bet the farm that the piston is seized with rust inside the caliper bore and the fluid looks like s--t. Also a safe bet the other may not be seized yet but it looks just as bad.

I do this for a living so maybe my view is somewhat biased. But I see this kind of stuff everyday. This is a good example of a no win situation for me if I was working on your car. You're p------d-off at this shop for overselling in your opinion. What if that was me and I only replaced the one caliper and pads and sent you packing with no other recommendation. Then lets assume two months later you come back to my shop and now it pulls the other way. A quick inspection reveals that the other caliper needs to be replaced plus new pads(again) and now the rotors will be too thin to turn a second time and oh-by-the-way the rear brakes should be cleaned and adjusted and the fluid should be flushed................

Now you would be p-------d off again right? Of course, who wouldn't?? Now you have to pony up more money the second time than if it was done properly in the begining. There is a big difference between supersizing your happy meal for a few extra $ and fixing the vehicle properly the first time.

It's my job as a technician to thoroughly examine the vehicle for the problem(s), find the cause(s) and make a proper recommendation for the repair. Yes, I'm just a little sensitive and I can't spell worth a s--t!!