[Hal H]

any higher object would have taken out radiator and oil pan

that's at least a k-member replacement

 

[Hal H]

I have no clue what you’re talking about. No legitimate shop would repair that cradle. It’s not only bent which makes it garbage but it’s cracked.

just occurred to me - would this be considered "frontal impact" and possibly call for replacing the steering column?

That k-member has the steering rack bolted to it and the impact would have transmitted "some" force to the column I'd suspect