Would the MIC be allowed at all? Because armor crystals would be a great boon to you. Cheap, too.
My favorite "never-die-ever" Crusader I've built used a Vampiric Wrathful-Healing spear, plus a crystal of life drinking, a belt of healing and healing armor. He also had the feral template. Fun.
Back OT, though, you might try a reach weapon plus armor spikes. Good battlefield control possibilities - good for keeping stupid allies safe.