Yes, whunter, this is the white 87 300D ... sorry, should have specified before.

I did have my indy look at it while it was in for the window fix. He checked out the crack as well as the rear diff for anything that could be a concern. He said the crack has been there for AGES and is not something I need to immediately worry about ... he said when I go to replace the bushings (which I will have to do eventually), he can install a "brace" around the cracked area, but for now it's not going anywhere. He recommended against welding, as the metal there is too thin. He also said the rear diff is fine ... all that gunk has just built up over time but it isn't leaking. Kind of a relief ... I know this guy would tell me if there was something to be worried about ... he's been very, very good to my father and I (and my grandmother, back when she had Benzes!) and always honest.

Just thought I'd post that follow-through.

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1987 300D, arctic white/palomino--314,000 miles
1978 240D 4-speed, Euro Delivery, light ivory/bamboo--370,000 miles
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited, light khaki/slate--140,000 miles
2018 Chevy Cruze diesel, 6-speed manual, satin steel metallic/kalahari--19,000 miles
1982 Peugeot 505 diesel, 4-speed manual, blue/blue, 130,000 miles
1995 S320, black/parchment--34,000 miles (Dad's car)