Escape19

You are probably right. I found a reference to a similar part today on a Toyota forum. That is the conclusion that I came up with after reading that post. The new exhaust does seem to have I slight buzz, so I will weld the old part onto the new muffler. Thanks for your help.

Just changed my exhaust system on 1998 QX4. Curious what this piece that is welded on the forward portion of the OEM muffler does. My guess it is for sound deadening. I may weld it onto the replacement muffler. There is also a similar square piece mounted under the chassis of the vehicle about 3 feet forward of this part, they don’t seem to be related. Thanks. https://photos.app.goo.gl/5j1X3D41cy8H1kpE6