Not sure if this is the right thread or not. I have an 01 forester with a manual transmission. The first "U-joint" behind the transmission/transfer case 'sploded wrecking havoc on the heat shield, drive shaft, shift linkage, and the "stub" out of the end of the transfer case/transmission. Does anyone know if I can just replace the end cover or if can weld the stub back? I appears to hold the bearing/seal in a dust cover but doesn't seem to serve a structural or operation purpose that would require high strenght. Am I correct in my assumption?