I think it was @grantwest who first posted about the rear trailing arm suspension (rear sub-frame) cracking on the 99-04 GEMs, well, here’s another one to add to that list…
Steering column mounts. I guess someone thought it was a good idea to take a golf cart, cross it with the suspension from a pile driver and then have the steering column held up by two small pieces of 16ga steel.
I suspect this one completely snapping was caused by the already crappy steering made worse by a combination of a long time with a sized steering tie rod end meaning lots more force needed to steer and bumpy roads where the steering wheel is all you can hang on to as this thing pogo-sticks and tries to kill you.
If you have a 99-04 and the pod isn’t sitting level/square or the column feels like it’s flexing or wiggling when you steer, then pull the dash and take a look at the weld before it snaps. It’s certainly an interesting experience trying to steer at 25mph on gravel with the column largely detached from the vehicle.
Mint! All better.