98 Mercury Cougar problem

I have a 1995 Ford Ranger pickup with a 2.3 L manual trans and 2 wheel drive. I changed the front brake pads and then separately had the rear brake drums, shoes and hardware changed at a shop. When I got it back there was a severe pulsing of the rear brakes when applied. I took it back and they put new drums on to eliminate that part of it. They were saying that they thought the rear axle was bent. Prior to bringing it in there wasn't any pulsing in the rear. In total they have taken all of the brakes apart and looked at them three times and said there wasn't anything wrong with the brakes. When I drive the truck I can hear a rubbing (not continuous, more like a rub every half wheel rotation) on the drivers side. Looking at the wheel shows that there is a slight wobble but not much at all. When the brakes are applied there is a severe thumping or rubbing and it seems like it's coming from the rear. If the axle was bent wouldn't the truck shake when I drive it? It rolls down the road very smoothly. How can I make sure the axle is straight or could it be that the bearings on the axle are wearing? How would I check for bearing wear? I tried pulling on the wheel to check for loosness or wobble but both wheels seem OK. I'm at a lose and don't know what to do. Any help would be appreciated.

I have a 2003 navigator and of course the warranty expired 3000 mis ago. Recently, every once in a while the "check suspension" light comes on and turns off quickly. After doing a systems check, it always says "suspension ok". Also...now this is strange...when i turn the lights on, none of the buttons on my climate control work; on the panel or on the steering wheel. The fan blows, but i cant adjust anything! Turn the lights off and everything is fine. I'm hoping all of these problems are connected, but i have no idea where to begin! It all happened out of nowhere! Any ideas or direction would be GREAT..THANKS!