First post, sorry if this has already been touched on. I've done some searching for this already, but didnt see any exhaust leak threads that are happening in the same location. Most I've seen have been up above the first Cat by the manifold.

Recently bought an 03 Access cab 3.4l 5 speed MT. Love the truck, and the previous owner threw in the old magnaflow cat back he had on it previously. He replaced it with a stock cat back because it was too loud for him. Just did a bunch of work this weekend to the truck: TB, WP, all Drive Belts, new plugs and wires, etc etc. I figured while I had the shop space I'd throw on this magnaflow for shts and giggles.

Here's my problem: the flange on the Inlet pipe that attaches to the cat is warped/bent a bit. Originally thought it was the crush gasket, so I replaced that and it still leaked. Upon further inspection I realized it was the actual flange that was warped. I think whoever put it on last time overtightened it or something. My question is, is this going to be all good to drive for a bit until I can get shop space again to cut and re-weld a new flange on? Prob wont be a couple weeks until I'll have the free-time or shop time. I dont want to warp any valves being dumb and not just throwing the stock exhaust back on for now. (It just sounds so good!) It's still getting below freezing most nights here in Vermont, which is why I'm asking about the leak having an effect on the valves.

Thanks everyone!

Here's a photo:

 

You can use O2 sensor safe high temp silicone to seal it. Get a new gasket and goop it up with the silicome and tighten it up.