Exhaust leak

I have DTLT headers, URD y-pipe, and URD exhaust. On the flange where the y-pipe and exhaust meet there are the two exhaust bolts with springs that hold the flange together. Mine are no longer holding. I've tighented them down twice in the past 7 days and today one even fell off in the garage when I started the truck. My question is, do these bolts need the springs, or can I just get similar hardware from home depot with washers, lock washers, and a nut and crank them down snugly to hold properly?

 

Those springs are acting like lock washers, putting tension on the threads of the bolts. I don't think that you need them as long as you can keep the exhaust tight and the bolts from backing out. The torque for the factory exhaust bolts isn't more than 30ftlbs.

 

The springs are meant to allow some play, to prevent the whole system from being rigid tight and transfering vibrations and noise. I had the same issue, just put some washers in front of the springs to give them a slightly tighter hold.

 

I'll try the washers for now cause I have a shit ton (literally) laying around. Thanks