LX176 Frame Broken at U-Bolt Rear Axle

I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue with any John Deere LX Garden Tractors of this this type?

My LX176 is 20 years old and I still love it. It's in great shape and I would hate to just part it out!

The frame has cracked where the u-bolts attach that hold on the rear axle. The only thing I can think of is to take it all apart and fabricate an L shaped steel plate and weld it to existing flange and buy longer u-bolts.

Has anyone tried to repair a frame in this area? I would think it would be a common issue and stress point.

Thanks in advance for your replies.
Rusty