96 rodeo exhaust flex pipe

I have had a a similar replacement needed on my 95 2.3 Pickup. The first time was right after I bought it used at 56k and the next time was last year at 172k. The first time I went to the dealer and thought it was expensive. (around 200 I think) The second time I went down to auto zone and bought an after market one.(about $65 I dont have the receipt in front of me) With this one I bought the whole exhaust system. I remember laying it on the ground next to the old one and I seem to remember it fitting pretty well. The one I got at auto zone did not have the "flex" part of the pipe. This is fine with me since it is the second time I replaced it. I have been told that this may cause me other problems down the road but with 185k on it right now I am not worried. The problems that may arise could have to do with the engine torquing the whole exhaust system when it is given gas.

By header do you mean exhaust manifold? On my truck once the heat shield is off the exhaust manifold, you can see nice joint that can be unbolted to separate this pipe from the manifold. It was a little bit of a job getting these bolts off the first time and I hope for your sake the person before you put on some antiseeze.

I hope this helps you out.

aar> Anyone know of a replacement kit for the flex pipe ,located in the

Sorry for such a late reply, I don't hit the group all that often...

Take it to an exhaust shop and have them just cut out the section that's bad and weld in a solid piece. You don't need the flex pipe. My '96 Rodeo had the same problem. Of course, my build date meant that I'd have to purchase the Y pipe with the cat as well... from the dealer, $850! No aftermarket available(this was a couple of years ago though).

I called a guy I know who does transmission and custom exhaust work. He replaced the section, welding in a solid piece. Bill? $75.