brake issues, help me get my car driving

have someone pump the brakes while you watch the caliper piston travel to see how far the piston travel,I've seen brake pads that are not flat pushing the piston back into the caliper causing a low soft pedal.
Are the caliper a low drag type if so a quick take up master will be needed.
You could also try residual valves http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/wireprva.html