seeking advice/insights on exhaust systen fabrication...

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r...

One other issue is (I don't know what it's called or its purpose) some sort of tension cable that is connected to a bolt that is on that (lower) side of the transmission...the cable is about 12"-14" long and is connected to clamp that bolts to the cross member...any idea what this is and its purpose?
Thanks...

If there is some type of adjustment ability on this cable, it is called an "engine stay cable" to prevent forward movement of the engine during hard stops.It should be attached to the bell housing then to a cross member. Deflection rate is about half an inch. This was standard fair on older CJ 2's
Also ,CNC Dan is correct. Purchased mandrel tubing is designed to be sectioned. A short piece of straight pipe along or/with a piece of U-tubing if the run was short enough, sectioned and rewelded should have obtained any offset you needed. Summit Racing has these parts.