Basic Exhaust Questions - Leaks and Soot (with photos)

New to Tacomas, and being my own Mechanic. I did an Exhaust Leak Test on my 2017 Tacoma TRD OFF-ROAD, and found at least 2 gaskets leaking. (I did the ol' shop vac with soapy water spray bottle test). I'm throwing a P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency below threshold Bank 1, and P0137 O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage.

Here's what I found, and would love some insights on what's normal, and what is not:

Is this Gap normal? Are the flanges supposed to be completely flush? Should there be two springs on each side vs just one?

Clearly there is a leak:


Clear Leak:


This Flange on the cat did NOT leak with the soapy water, but the black soot looks suspicious? Should this gasket be changed?:


Same with this side, didn't leak on the soapy water spray test, but has black soot also:


And this Support was not hooked in... but I felt like I could barely move the pipe up to make it fit without breaking something. Not sure if this was left intentional, or if I should just get some pliers and make it happen?:


Any advice or learning would be very much appreciated!

 

Don't have an answer,just bumping the thread so someone might see it.

Could try posting this in the technical chat section of the forum too

 

The springbolt flange is not perfect, it's supposed to flex, a little leakage there will not set codes. But you could buy and install a new set of spring bolts if you want

The other 2 connections right below the converters can set codes if there is a leak present because they're close to the oxygen sensors. Fix those leaks, clear codes and see if they come back

 

the hanger in mention looks bent. the one coming off the pipe should be in line with the frame side hanger.