While out "Wheel'n" at Rausch Creek ORV Park,

I managed to pound my exhaust pipe/muffler on some misplaced rocks on my line of attack up Hill 32.
Now as this was near dusk, we could not see where all the noise was now coming from,
but this morning..... Ray Charles could see that I had pushed/bent the whole exhaust system forward.
SURPRISE, ......CarQuest is OPEN on the 4th of July on the ride back to Corning, NY, "Bat Turned" trailer and all
accross 4 lanes of traffic into their parking lot !!
Asked for a "Crush-able Exhaust Gasket/doughnut" as I knew I would only get "K" for close when I pull the exhaust
back & down......AGAIN a Holiday working "If it ain't in the computer/OEM vehicle part no. counter person's" blank stare!!!

Well a couple a hundred keyboard clicks later, disappears to return with a "Quote OEM" exhaust doughnut.
NOW HERE"S MY QUESTION.... I have had this rig apart more than once; I was always under the impression that
the exhaust manifold was "Cast" with that beveled flange where the exhaust pipe bolts up with the
 2 special bolts with springs meet. IS THAT REMOVEABLE?!! (the beveled part?)
I don't want to start "Wacking/Hacking/Chiseling/Fire Axe Cutting if this is CAST into the manifold!!!!

ANY HELP B-4 "It was BETTER BROKE B-4 YOU FIXED IT !!!"

CAPT

There's a second part to the exhaust system after the manifold, called the downpipe. It bolts to the manifold, and then bolts to the exhaust pipe right at the junction with the cat. That's where the bolts with springs ( 2 ) are. If you bent or crushed your downpipe they're available from Rock Auto.

Yes this is where all the noise is and you COULD see daylight between the "Flange/Mount Ring/Manifold/Bolts w/Springs"

NOW, I was able to put a 1" ratchet strap on the pipe at this "Joint".....(Didn't want to snap these "Shouldered Bolts" off!!)
Another at the clamps & connection B-4 the muffler to a Come-A-Long....
Pulled ----Down and Back------ Got lucky and it "Straightened Out" and resealing at "This Joint".

But for future reference, Is there a exhaust manifold gasket/donut at this JOINT.

Again Thanks, CAPT

Yes, there's a donut type gasket at the joint.

Thanx,
I will put it in the "Trails Repair Arsenal" cause I know this is going to happen again
if you know what I mean.......

CAPT