If I recall correctly (it was looooong ago) when I had mine welded they drilled both ends of the crack, something about relieving stress and then welded the whole thing.
The center arm bracket on the front of the frame dates this as older than July of 1969. Also, a ‘74 frame would have a different rear crossmember. What is the VIN number?
@Casey E 🤔
(34)
that doesn't look like the stock boot/sleeve
the stock one is flexible but also formed, as it isn't straight, it has an off set to it from 1 end to the other