all..thanks for good info and v helpful pic. Any input on whether it's necessary to replace the gasket if I remove the existing EGR, clean it, and try to replace it? Thanks for your time!

It is not necessary to replace the gasket unless it is torn, but they are pretty cheap. It wouldnt hurt to have one on hand just in case.

jeez, not one mention of rust, both the bolts holding the tube on were completely rusted on mine, stripped both, had to dremel them off, then drill and use the bolt out on them, and i sprayed them the day before too, dam salt up here i guess!