Originally Posted by karyins

OK here are my newbie questions, please bear with me:

1. Can I just add brake fluid and slowly drive it a few miles to my usual garage? If so what type of brake fluid and how much do I need?

The system will be full of air now I expect, so it won't be that easy.

2. What about drive it 2 blocks to the nearby garage? Flat roads all the way.

I would do this, leave early in the morning or late at night, leave it L and just drive slowly. You have engine braking that way.

3. If I must have it towed, anything I need to know? Right now it's facing in so can only be pulled out the driveway from behind. Also...it's rusty down there.

A flatbed is probably easier, don't think autos like being towed

4. The transmission leaking and brake fluid leaking are non-related?

Non related apart from the fact it's an 18 year old truck

5. Or could they somehow all related to a disconnected, loud, potentially vibrating exhaust pipe?

No

6. Anyway to fix the exhaust pipe without spending $500 like the garage quoted for a replacement?

Might be able to get it welded, hard to know without seeing it

7. Is it necessary (consider the age of the truck) to have all brake lines inspected and replaced perhaps? If so any idea about the cost? I live in NYC.

Well if one has already gone...you said yourself it is rusty. Also I read that if you don't change the fluid, it absorbs moisture and they rust from the inside out