A metal 'tube' that broke off under the jimny

I was crawling at about 5km/h and put the gear into 1st when a relatively loud clicking noise appeared. I'm thinking it's this bit that has given in at the other end, and is now laying kind of on top of the shaft that connects the gearbox and transfer case.

i.imgur.com/KepYhem.jpg
i.imgur.com/5EpNOrc.jpg

In the middle is the shaft, and next to it on the right side is the 'tube' that has broken off. It seems to me that it has been welded to where it was, and the material around the weld has just cracked. At the other end it is connected with something that looks like a hinge to me.

Any idea what this part is and what does it do? I'm pretty sure that's making the clicking noise. I didn't dare to tie it up so that it wouldn't hit the shaft and go for a test drive yet.. Going to have to get it welded back on.

Any picture of where it came off?

It's part of the gear change mechanism. The steady rod. Either weld it back on or replace. I have a used one if you decide to go that route.

What do you mean by 'weeks it back on'? How should I replace the part if the part itself is not damaged, or that's how it seems to me. The sheet of metal that it was welded on to, has given in. It's like 2mm thick or so. The weld is intact I think!

mickt wrote: Any picture of where it came off?

I've uploaded the pictures with some mods. The red line shows where in the bottom of the car the end of that metal tube (outlines in green) was at, I think. The other end is a hinge, which allows the rod to move around a bit until it hits the shaft.
i.imgur.com/J7bKKhe.jpg
i.imgur.com/pAckPhg.jpg

He meant "either way its refit or replace" if it has worn too much. It should just slip back together, no welding involved. His first sentence was "gear change mechanism" by the way.

Sorry it was my spelling, trying to multi task. Yes the sheet metal has failed but can be welded back on. Or replace the gear linkage