Leaking exhaust connections

Hey everyone, I working on my truck (from CT) the other day and noticed that the exhaust connections on my truck are very rusty. Used a shop vacuum and soapy water to test for leaks and sure enough it seems to be leaking at just about every connection point. Just wondering what all of this will cost to repair and maybe if anyone has used any of that JB Weld sealant for exhaust leaks. Appreciate any advice you guys might have

 

First do not use jb weld gasket sealant. Dont use radiator sealants... ac sealant.... basically any quick fix stuff. They are horrible.

Just buy new gaskets, install, and re-torque bolts.

 

Also if you went as far as attaching a vacuum and putting soapy water on flanges to do troubleshooting, i am confident you will be able to do this maintenance yourself.

 

I'm no expert, just saw a Chris Fix video on YT where he was showing how to test for leaks and recommending that JB Weld Temperature Resistant Epoxy Putty. Unfortunately, things that seem simple like replacing gaskets never go as planned on this truck because there is so much rust. Those rusty bolts are going to snap for sure. I'm thinking about just replacing the two sections of pipes/gaskets after the catylitic converters and before the muffler if I have to. I guess that won't be too expensive if I can get it done myself. Thanks for the reply

 

Oh yeah... the first picture might snap but others look good. i was hoping you had an impact and penetrating oil. Well i cant see how a mechanic would charge more than an hour for that job.

What is the hr rates these days for a mechanic? 90 dollars plus parts?

Also how bad are the leaks? Does it sound like a choo choo train when you drive? If not i wouldnt worry, but if it is, it will be a good time to replace gaskets. On the plus side you might notice more torque from the truck after the fix.

 

It is leaking really bad from the first pic. I could feel the air with my hand from the shop vac noticeably. The others aren't as bad, but are leaking. I have an impact and penetrating oil, just thought the bolts looked like they were gone. You can actually see the entire bolt from the other side of that flange the rust is so bad. I'll probably just order those pipes/gaskets and replace them or just leave it to the mechanic if he'll do it in an hour.

 

From the cat back is only $120 for the complete intermed pipe and the muffler/tile pipe at all auto stores and it drops into existing hangers. Many posts on exhausts.
Only thing that really is required is getting the spring loaded parts and the gasket from Toyota as aftermarket is not the exact size so it leaks - that's a save time/pain and been there so just get the correct part.

 

Slight Hijack here..
I was doing my oil and noticed I'd lost one of the Spring bolts on the exhaust...Is there a quick fix as the female end is rusted off so i'd need washers/nuts/stainless...

 

Yes buy a bolt and spring come as a kit all auto stores (you get 2 in kit)