Leaking exhaust Cross over pipe crossover '98 Caravan

I have a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3 L. It is making a putting sound and I've been told it's the cross over pipe in the engine area that needs to be replaced. Problem is, they're like $600 and totally on backorder for months. What is my alternative? Has anyone else had this problem? I was originally told the part was about $163, but when the mechanic called to order it, they told him they discontinued making that original part, I guess 'cause of the leaking problem, redesigned it and the new ones are $600 and on backorder. I'd like any advice, possibly buying from a salvage yard (one mechanic already found one for cheap-$200 for the whole job) but then there's no guarantee that it's not leaking or might start to right away. I also was thinking about a exhaust repair kit, maybe getting that and wrapping it around the pipe. Any advice/info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Personal opinion here... replace your exhaust system with ALL NEW stuff... pipes, gaskets, clamps, whatever. Aside from the ever-present danger of CO poisoning/sickness/death, if you bite the bullet and don't "cheap out," it is unlikely you will have to revisit this problem for a very long time.

Just have a new piece welded in where it's leaking. If the rest of the system is solid then there's no point redoing it.

I read your response that a new piece can be welded to the exhaust crossover pipe. This pipe includes a section which has flexible aluminum. Can the flexible aluminum be welded over with a new piece? Do you know the purpose of its flexibility? Is it critical?

Thanks

Can't answer your questions but you can get a crossover pipe here for $412.50 : http://www.makeitmopar.com/ Don't know that I would weld over the flex portion. It's there for some reason.