i replaced my rear muffler and pipes with an aftermarket since it's cheaper. now i have a little bit of drone but not bothering me at all. also, i did cut that part having the exhaust leak that you had welded and installed a pipe reducer and a clamp that looks like this. make sure you have the right diameter reducer and clamps. Vaico - 893253139B - Dual Clamp Exhaust Sleeve - Priced Each
worked fine so far.
thx for the contribution. i considered alternatives to welding, but nothing seemed without flaws. that pipe section has odd formation, not a consistent shape and diameter, so welding became the best long term solution. with al the work i did, the vehicle with 227k miles drives more like new! plus, it just passed inspection.
i called toyota service to see how much the muffler and tailpipe would cost through them: $1600 parts and labor. mine cost $50 plus gaskets ands some time, plus $125 for the welding.