Connection of Exhaust to Transmission

[capejeep99]

There's a rod connecting a portion of the exhaust pipe to a fixture (of some sort) which is bolted on to the transmission (this is the fixture the cross member was bolted to).... see attached image.
I could just cut the rod (separating that connection of exhaust pipe to transmission) or unbolt the entire fixture from the transmission. This is all being done to unhook all connections to the transmission casing
so I can lower the trans for clutch replacement. Any thoughts about pros and cons of one way over the other (just cutting the rod vs unbolting the bracket). Seems like cutting rod and welding a connector
to join the rod back together seems easier, but interested in hearing other's thoughts. Thanks very much.

https://flic.kr/p/2repBwX

 

[phydeaux33]

Cut the rod, build a new rod welded to a muffler clamp so in the future it can be removed for service.

 

[Anak]

That rod is not the original rod. The original was smooth. Smooth is better. The all-thread will chew up the bushing over time.

If you are going to be welding something to the exhaust I recommend putting in joints which will allow you to remove sections of the exhaust for service. I like ball and socket joints, but flanges work too. If you have joints on either side of the muffler you then have three sections of exhaust which can each be removed separately.