exhaust leak at Manifold-TTI 2 1/2 " downpipe

I have an exhaust leak at the Manifold to the Downpipe. It is a 2 1/2 " TTI exhaust. This is on the passenger side. I had it apart 3 times now. It seems the angle is a little off on the connection to the factory manifold. Is there any tricks other than pulling the down pipe off and taking to muffler shop and bending? I was told that alot of times the 2 1/2 " downpipes are to big to make a tight connection and that you can trim a stock flange off and sandwich it in there, to make a tighter seal. Any thoughts? anyone ever do this? How about High temp silicone to take up the slopp? anyone ever try this?
all thoughts are appreciated.