Crank Thrusting Foreward Issues

The amount of wear on the crank is significant, .020" or more. The bearing wore down enough to expose the harder substructure.

I put the trans in twice, with the engine already installed, a way I've never done before. I've always removed/installed an engine with the trans already installed. Guess I'll never do that way again.

I am a welder and I have access to a nice miller gtaw. Any special way to weld it up? What about filler rod material?