GEM Module

Hello all. New to fixing my own ride (2001 4.0 4x4). Apparently I have a bad GEM Module. Symptoms (that I am aware of) are as follows: originally lost speedometer, airbags (according to dash light), and wipers. Checked fuse #26 and it was blown. Changed fuse #26 and it popped immediately upon installing with engine off and keys in my pocket. I assumed there was a short somewhere. Took it to car-fixer guy. he looked at it for a while (charged me for 2 hours labor, too) and said GEM Module is no good. When I got my Ranger back, #26 fuse is fine, speedometer was working, airbags seemed to be turned on again but no wipers and I also noticed door chime is not working either. I did not notice chime before I took it to shop. I have checked other fuses and all are fine. I only really care about the wipers. It sometimes rains.

I cannot find on interwebs where to find this Module (one said under dash and won't have to remove dash and another said must remove radio and fish around in that hole). Car-fixer guy said part is around $400 that he cannot get soon and about 2hours labor.

I have several questions, with potential follow-up questions:
1. Is it possible to replace this part with one from scrapped Ranger?
2. If yes, can GEM Module from different model year work? If yes, which model years can I use?
3. If yes to #1 and 2, will I need any special tool to remove/install?
4. Where is that darn thing in my truck?


Any criticisms/advice/suggestions/etc. will be welcomed.

Thanks for the help on this one.