After noticing some slippage in my trans despite adding ATF, I found a steady drip coming from the forward trans pipe near junction where it connects to the trans pan.

The pipe is showing signs of significant corrosion and rusted flakes came off the pipe as I cleaned it.

Unfortunately, this is one of several signs (cat forward manifold pipe also in dire shape) of corrosion with the old beast.

I had planned on tightening the pipe connection but now fear that could makes things worse given pipe’s already in a weakened state.

Any suggestions on next steps that a backyard wrencher could perform? Didn’t see anything on this in FAQs. Thanks