Well, just bought a 2000 Dakota and seem to have an issue. I have a medium sized hole in the tailpipe about 5 inches from the end of the pipe. I bought some exhaust pipe tape to seal it but when I went down there discovered that the entire tailpipe is actually not connected to the back end of the muffler. The pipe seems to have broken due to rust, but the muffler is perfectly fine and would like to avoid buying a new one because of this. I just want to know your opinions if I should get a new muffler entirely or just get a new tailpipe and use clamps or something else to seal where the pipe is connecting.

crack where pipe is severed is black line very close to muffler end of pipe

 

I see a small hole at the muffler so I'd go ahead and do both

 

That muffler is junk. And all the pipes are probably in pretty sorry shape, too. The only right way to fix it is a new exhaust system. You might be able to scrape by with a new muffler and a couple of sections of pipe to replace the worst parts, but it'll end up costing you more in the long run.

 

Yep replace it all

I would also look at that U-Joint that thing is covered in either rust or just dirt if it has grease zerks grease it up.

I would also inspect it for wear the U-Joint that is

 

Yupp I'd ditch that chambered and grab a magnapak