First and foremost, is the dealer the only place you can buy a replacement flex pipe? (crossover pipe with flex joint) None of the auto part stores in my area carry the pipe. Even the local muffler shops (Midas, Meineke, etc) don't have a direct replacement. They all want to cut out the bad flex joint and weld pieces back in. Not really what I had in mind to do this repair!!!

Here's the best part, they want more $$ to do it than it would cost me to buy the OEM parts from the dealer. (about $275)


Second, is there special tools or knowledge required for a do-it-yourselfer like me? Looks kinda simple, especially if I don't fool around trying to loosen clamp bolts and just torch them off.

Thanks in advance for your help!