Quote Originally Posted by Ecarmich View Post
update so since i couldn't find a replacement from advance or auto zone i finally found one at a pull apart and got a new one. i put it on this past weekend and it smokes right where the 3 bolts connect to the exhaust. also one of the bolt was burred out. so i tried to run a bolt in to reopen the threads but dont think that worked very well. i put red thread locker on it and put it back together. my question is will this have any effect on me driving it, like will there be any back pressure on the system that would cause the truck not to run right?
You exhaust needs to be leak free. Otherwise it will rob your engine of torque and mess with engine tune (it affects gas scavenging). As James has commented, don't re-use the flange gasket (you can use exhaust gasket sealant but it will probably cost the same as a new gasket anyway...)