Thanks for the information. That's kinda what I figured about the local weld shop. I just reread my OP and I was wrong about the price quoted. It was actually $125 to $150 to do the job at the frame shop in Kansas City. Is that about the expected cost for such a job? It's too high for me to pay so if that's what it costs then I will have to look for another option.
I don't know much about the drum brake you mentioned but I guess i will check into it.
thanks,
Brett