well, in case anyone cares....

the front rotors didn't fit because i got the wrong ones.. when they asked me if the car had 14 or 15 inch wheels, i went outside, looked at the tires, and (correctly) said "15"

turns out that the car is set up to use the front rotors for 14" wheels. anyway, everything came apart and went back together very nicely.. without a doubt it was the best vehicle-fixing experience i've ever had and i'm pretty proud of the result.. everything is (relatively) clean and well lubricated, and the car stops very well now.

i still have to bleed the brakes, but i'm thinking that i'll just entirely replace the fluid.. but that's for another day

-adam

ps. yeah freak, she drives a volvo now but she never sold her old wagon.. it became the spare spare vehicle, but it'll likely be sold soon