'99 Encoder Motor

My 99 got stuck in 4Lo during the snow last week. After a bunch of failed attempts to go back into 2WD, I started blowing fuses. Eventually, I couldn't put a fuse in without an instant pop. So, my local mechanic tells me that I shorter the encoder motor, gonna cost $1000. He said someone has obviously been there before messing with the wires. He told me that the last mechanic(GM delaer in Rhode Island, where the same thing happened) jumped the harness and put new wiring. All the connectors were filled with water, and probably shorted the motor.

I asked what the odds were that it wasn't the motor. He told me he was 90% sure. So, instead of blowing a grand, not knowing that it would fix, i told him to leave it alone. Somehow, with out the buttons on the dash functioning, the transfer case had slipped back into 2WD, so it's driveable.

So I figured, I'd do it myself, but have some questions.

Does anybody know how the proper model number for the encoder motor? Or for that matter what transfer case I have?

Is this a job that a reasonably capable shade tree guy should attempt?

Thanks for the help.

disconnect the front axle actuator and see if the short is gone. i have not seen a encoder motor cause a blown fuse yet, just actuators shorted., the actuator is mounted on the passenger side of the front differential. good luck