I've got the same crack issue on a 1980 L245DT......thinking about the external reinforcing option.
Got a suggestion on another forum to weld the whole circumference of the bearing/seal area.....which I'm going to do this coming week.
I mounted a 6 place fuse block and covered it with a plastic container (kitchen storage type).....direct wire from the battery......completely separate from the wiring harness/set-up on my B2650....
This pic isn't the finished product, but gives ya an idea....