Steering box frame repair?

[Bigb55]

My frame has this crack at the steering box.

My question is, can I just weld the crack up without the fish plates? Its the only crack and hasn't made it to a bolt hole, it has not worsen over a year of driving.

I'll be installing the ORD steering brace too.

Think it be ok with just welding the crack?

 

[onetonbb74]

You could just drill the ends and weld the crack. I would just get the weld on plates and the bolt on brace and call it good. Once you pull the box, you will see what it in order, your call.