Gearwhine previously posted:
"I ended up cleaning and welding it. It seems to be consensus that the cracks happen as a result of worn out motor/trans mounts (can't guarantee that to always be the case though). I replaced both of those mounts at the same time as welding it. I have not yet checked to see if the fix is still working as I don't have many miles since doing so."
Seems feasible. At least in my Jeep there seems to be very little flex in the exhaust itself. If the engine were flopping around I could see that fatiguing the metal in there.
I ended up buying an inexpensive new manifold on Rock Auto. The brand is SKP. If I get a break from work over the holidays then I should have the time to install it. Based on this input I'll be sure to get a good look at the motor mounts too while I'm in there.