4WD Flashing Light? Actuator?

I have a 2002 4.7 Tundra 4wd and when I try and shift into 4wd the 4hi light just flashes. I know this is usually the 4wd actuator but I tried replacing that and it didn't work so I will explain everything and would love some recomended next steps.

Keep in mind my tundra was totaled a little over a year ago, by rear ending so I have some minor frame damage behind the rear wheels. Insurance gave me a very nice payout and I essentially paid 2.5k to keep it so I'm trying to spend as little money as possible..

4wd History: Pretty much the entire underside has been replaced, but the 4wd had been working great for the last year since I first blew out then replaced the left cv axle. A month back we were off-roading in Uwarie, NC when I went over a feature, blowing out my left CV axle and perhaps smacking something else on the bottom of the truck. After, while out there I drove through some water pits, so I may have slightly submerged some parts for a second. I replaced the CV axle with this cheap one https://www.partsgeek.com/cs9lstm-toyota-tundra-cv-axle-assembly.html that looked similar to the last one, although it had some slight differences, but it clicked in. Then when I tried to shift into 4hi, I just get the flashing light. From what the forums were saying this was the 4wd actuator on the front dif, so I went to replace it, and when I did, I noticed the vacuum hose wasn't connected. I cheaped out and tried this actuator

$86 Transfer Case Motor Actuator 36410-34015 For 2000-2006 Tundra, 2005-2017 Tacoma, 2010-2017 Toyota 4Runner 4WD 4-Wheel Drive 4x4 Transfer Case Shift Actuator Motor Transmission Actuator Assembly

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7MRQ59...QW9PA7JD8DWF1&titleSource=avft-a&previewDoh=1. and replaced it except for the metal rod. When I turned my truck back on it beeped and said it was in 4hi (idk if it actually was) except when I shifted out it went back to before with the flashing. My next thought was to try a slightly better replacement actuator, This one actually has reviews

$110 36410-34015 Transfer Case Motor Replacement for 2000-2006 Tundra, 2005-2017 Tacoma, 2010-2017 Toyota 4Runner 4WD 4-Wheel Drive 4x4 Transfer Case Shift Actuator Motor Transmission Actuator Assembly

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5QGX7P...ZEZTBQQH&titleSource=avft-a&previewDoh=1&th=1 . I still have the original actuator so if that one doesn't work I can just return them (love Amazon).

Before I go and do that, I was wondering what people would recommend as next steps for diagnosis and replacement, I was thinking maybe dif or transfer case fluids. Any recommendations or advice is greatly appreciated.

 

Good morning. First, please take some time and read through this very well prepared and thought out diagnostic thread 1st Gen 4WD Issues Diagnosis/Prevention Guide | Toyota Tundra Forum