Sounds to me like a good welder is a cheap fix here. I'm about to do
mine. Mine are so badly rusted, that they would have fallen off first.

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler

On Mon, 22 Nov 1999, John-Reed Maffeo wrote:

> Started to work replacing the muffler on my '86 Syncro this weekend
> and discovered that both brackets had self destructed.
>
> They seem to have succumbed to stress fractures in different
> locations on each. I had not inspected them closely prior to
> starting their removal and only discovered the damage after
> they were out.
>
> The brackets are a dealer only part to the tune of $58.00 each.
> (More than the cost of a new muffler:( and have to be special
> ordered:((
>
> There seemed to be mechanical tension on the exhaust assembley
> pushing against the brackets. This may have caused the problem,
> I don't know. There is an adjustable fitting upstream from the
> cat. When I get the new brackets and reassemble everything, I will
> try to adjust things to reduce the stress.
>
> Anyway, all you Syncro owners, check your brackets closely before
> you order your new muffler.
>
> John-Reed Maffeo '86 Syncro - Glacie
> Mesa, AZ
>