Hi everybody! It just occurred to me that I didn’t post an outcome. I ended up using a 2 x 4 under the bracket holding the exhaust manifold on, and within a couple of pumps from the jack, everything was exactly lined up, so I could tighten everything just right. I had been prepared to loosen the bolts holding the boot on, and fighting with it a little, but given that I had tried everything on the tranny side of the car, I decided to play with the front, and it paid off. Thanks for all your help. 🙂