I have a 2024 3500 AT4 SRW. I've changed all the pads two times already in 25k miles. I tried power stop pads to see if they were better and cleaner being a ceramic, after a couple weeks I switched back to OEM semi metallic because they stop much better than the power stops. I had no problem changing all the pads both times. I did disconnect the batteries just to make sure there were no issues with the new wear sensors, but that's it. no scan tool required. the only thing that i didn't get done was reset the brake pad life display. It still shows 80% even though brand new pads and wear sensors.
There is a parking brake inside the hub of the rear rotors, but they should last forever unless there is a problem. There is no need to mess with that if your just changing pads.
My original OEMs had around 25k miles on them and they did wear unevenly, not horrible, but noticeably different thicknesses.