just want to follow up. Thanks for the replies.
what tore open was actually an approximately 10'' section of flexible pipe in the front section of the exhaust system. when i went to take it apart the reason why it broke what obvious. One of the mounts on the hanger that is attached to the transmission had let go letting the exhaust pipe hang down about three inches an put extra stress on that flexible section.
went to McAuto parts store and grabbed a generic flexible section. cut out the old section and welded the new piece in.
