Outer Limits 4x4 Board

This may seem like a stupid question but i was under bruiser last night and noticed a bit of oil seepage from the axle housing half way between the centre and the wheel on the long side of the rear diff housing . there is on closer inspection a crack running around the axle housing approximately 3" long .
Is this able to be welded or will it have to be sleeved - or is it a replace entire housing job ?
I don't want anything to weaken the housing and my brother is a boilermaker and can weld it for me proffessionally . or sleeve it if it needs that .

Drain the oil, grind it out ( not all the way through ) heat it up a bit get ya brother to weld it up . Leave all the weld dont grind it back smooth so it leavs the reinforcment and all will be cool.

Wally

thanks , didn't wanna make it weaker by just jumping in and welding it