High x dim etc, where the normal pickup would be sucking air. If you dont have one and dont need one you dont want one. It will suck more sand/silt etc and shorten impellor life.

Did freeze damage play a bit of a part in the crack ?

bearing carrier retaining nut is more of the current problem at this point. Then most likely in due time gear oil leaks at some point . Trying to make it last & for something on the real cheap go have it welded

Ayuh,.... That's what I see too, not impact damage,....

More like the drive was left Up, 'n the weep holes are plugged with crud, which held water in the exhaust cavity,....

I kinda doubt weldin' will work, as the case dimensions will have changed from the ice expansion,.....

Drive was down, it just now got down to below freezing here in TN.

So what does the prop and or its blades look like from Impact damage ?

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, went with a new lower from SEI and a Simrek shower. Only thing I had to do was tap and plug the oil passage that doesn't exist on my upper.

Just about ready for the prop and water.