Guys I swear I have looked over the last few days and I can't find this. If there is a link please forgive me.

For those that have replaced the encoder motor on a 2nd gen, How are they positioned out of the box? Can I move the transfer case to match the new motor, or vice verses? I have complete failure (no lights) so I "think" I'm in 2hi as far as the case goes. DS moves freely. I understand the procedure to replace, but they all just say "wiggle it in". Can anyo0ne who has done this elaborate? Thx much! Just trying to get all this straight in my head before I go do it... motor not here yet.