1998 Plymouth Voyager leaks anti-freeze

The engine is a 3.3. There appears to be a leak just above the lower radiator hose. I took it to a mechanic and he explained it's a metal tubing that has rotted and is only sold at a dealer outlet. He said it's both risky and expensive to repair. Any alternatives like buying it at a salvage yard? Any idea what is the proper name of this tubing? By the way the radiator is new and installed about 2 months ago. It leaks when the van is in operation over 10 min. And it's a small stream about every 5 seconds. Please, I already have over $1,400 dollars in repairs this year alone. Brake line rotted, new battery, new radiator, new rotor, new sway link rods and rebuilt tranny. Hate to scrap it with all those new items.