CM 870 exhaust manifold is leaking at seals. Want to replace the EGR section with non

[Redland1]

Hello all. Hope the trucking world is treating y’all well. I have an 04’ CM 870 that has the soot marks on the outside of the seals and I’m going to replace the seals and bolts but while I’m at it I want to replace the EGR end with a non EGR end. Would it be possible to even remove that end on a manifold that has 7-800k miles on it ?
Reason for wanting to replace it is due to the blocker plate leaking no matter how many times I replace the gasket or clamp. The other route I might take is having a steel plate welded on there while it’s out.
Also is the part number 3683870 for the manifold end without EGR ?