Exhaust manifold gaskets

[GreenMachine]

Gonna have to stop driving the P2, every time I do it and jump back into the old lady I pick on something else that could be made better if....this time....I can't figure out whether the exhaust manifold gaskets have failed or are failing to the head or whether the springy joint needs new bolts and springs etc but the exhaust is noisy and well I reckon there could be a benefit so I thought I ask others,

whats the norm for 284k - do them both, anyone else had to change the gaskets due to failure after lots of miles?

is it best to have studs and bolts on standby as well?

many thanks
Carl