Oh...heh...thanks for the support but don't worry, I got this all taken care of back in August.
(
Here for the update.)
Suffice it to say, I've got my truck, it's got a 700R4, Vortecs, a new stereo, and new tires since then...and it's here with me at the UofA in Tucson.
(Oh, and if anyone's wondering, my relationship with my mom
did do a 180 after that. Life is good these days.)