descent converter on the cheap?

PTC all the way. I was researching converters a few years back and the dynamics were having issues with the hubs cracking.

Cracking hubs are not unique to any one converter rebuilder. All of them have had this issue. Even the stock Chrysler converters have had this problem, and more so with the 318-340-360 series engine with the 727. At my old place of employment, all converter hubs were replaced, but we'd still have the odd one crack.
Converter hubs only come from one or two suppliers.