can anyone help me understand.....why my front turn signals are both on all of the time as if they are running lights and my back ones are not, yet when I use my left/right signals they do still flash as they are supposed to?

 

because they ARE running lights!
if you want running lights on the back you'll need to buy an extra module

 

Front 1157 dual filament rear 1156 single filament.

 

The tape works a treat great advise, easy fix.