It is only cracked on one side. I will cap it from the bottom with either a fabricated plate, and use a header, or I will use a heat riser block-off plate with the stock exhaust, if I can figure out a clean way to cap the '75 USA EGR port, and source what I need for a down-pipe.
The intake manifold that the truck came with has a weld on the carb side. The weld there is subsequently cracked. It was welded on the exhaust side, that looks good, but I decided against installing it because it has been thru more carnage and repair.
View attachment 1951117
Cast metals don't weld that well.
I just purchased a set of manifolds from a '70 FJ55. This might open up some options, particularly sourcing an exhaust down-pipe. I hope that I can not have too much trouble switching to the stepped manifold studs in the head, but I might just save these for another project.
I really don't want to run headers, for reasons of fitment, heat insulation, longevity, deciding among the various design considerations of available offerings, and noise. I would like to get a good condition late 2F set-up here, but it seems expensive relative to just living with, even pricey, headers which are actually available new.