Does this (the rusty piece ) look like a factory exhaust bracket for a mid 80's D150 with a Slant? I can't find another pic of one online anywhere.. It would hard mount the exhaust pipe to the bottom corner of the engine on the passenger side. Is that the preferred method for preventing cracks in the exhaust manifold? Thanks..

https://photos.app.goo.gl/432XSXYnw61QtdLF7

No. There were factory exhaust braces, but they weren't a bent up mess like that one. That looks like an aftermarket exhaust hanger bent to fit in that location.

We figured out on another forum that the other bracket I had that wasn't visible in the pic probably is a factory bracket, but it goes on the driver's side and bolts on with the transmission brace. This is what I came up with for the passenger side, Borla stainless clamp with a stainless bar..


https://photos.app.goo.gl/dAamPExRkF88uo3k8