Brian I don't know anything about the 216 straight dump exhaust, but cutting this exhaust pipe in the vertical drop, straightening the bend just a bit, using an outside collar (available from any muffler shop) and welding (or preferably brazing) the thing back together would work. From what I see in the second image above, it seems the best answer of all would be to get two 45 degree outside collars and a straight section of exhaust pipe. Install the first collar about 8 inches down from the manifold, insert a straight pipe of maybe 12 to 14 inches (whatever length will get your overall mounting height correct once the 2nd 45 degree collar is installed) and then install the second 45 degree collar. That way the exhaust pipe misses your steering/suspension completely. Good luck!
