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!

heck no, flex joints are easy to come by:
LINK

-Rob

Thanks for the great link. ....but all those choices has me confused. How do you know what to buy?

And the price ranges are incredible. Will a $30 pipe work or do I need to spend $275?

Need a bit more help on this one!!!!

What exactly are you trying to replace?

If you are trying to replace the entire crossover(from both manifolds to the "Y") then there is either going to be alot of fabrication, or an expensive factory part.

If you just have a bad flex pipe, then take a couple of measurements (diameter of pipe, and length) and order a "universal" one.

-don't go to a repair shop, check out a place that does custom exhaust fabrication for the best prices and knowhow

-there is no problem cutting out and replacing the flexpipe with an aftermarket one. Just measure the outside diameter of the pipe. I had an exhaust shop replace mine. You can buy a cheap one don't worry.

-people on ebay sell the complete downpipe and cat assembly for about $200

-the pipe is long with many bends and it is tough to remove and replace without a lot of headache. need to drop crossmember, sometimes unhook the fuel lines, etc. So I would only do it if you have to.

Update:

After carefull examination, replacing the crossover pipe was going to be a lot of trouble and a lot more money, so......

Ordered a universal stainless flex pipe from JC Whitney. Bought a cheap mig welder from the local Harbor Freight store. (Yes, I know it's cheap, but it works well for my needs. Besides, I needed a new toy!)

Borrowed a welding blanket from work to protect the gas tank and fuel lines.

....and went to work.

SS flex joint -$40
Cheap mig welder - $106
Knowing the job was done right and I didn't get taken to the cleaners - PRICELESS!


Thanks to all for the advice!!!!