So this thing has mannnnnyyyyyy issues and I have no background whatsoever in mechanics. I learn quickly, however, and I am confident that with your help I can make this truck legal and maybe even safe to drive! I know how to replace tires, but my shifter linkage is dragging the ground, and my brake lights don’t work. The high mount light works, but not the rear two.

Thanks in advance for advice!

 

Welcome from Florida. Just curious, why would you go from a 17 Z71 to a 95 S10. First step is to check the bulbs for the brake lights. Second check the brake switch and the wires going to it. My son had a 95 S10 with the same problem and it turned out to be that a previous owner cut some wires to the brake switch and left them hanging.