Ford Repair: ford explorer 4x4 4wd and gas guage questions, ford explorer 4x4, car stereo system

Question
I have a 1994 ford explorer limited 4x4. 164k miles.  Problem 1:  in 4wd,  it appears as the front wheels do not pull. example: when i put it in 4wd, i can hear a clunk (like it was locking in), but yesterday, my fathers vehicle wouldn't start, so i had to pull it up on some car ramps. my wheels lost traction in the soft dirt & wet grass, but when we were finished and I moved my explorer i noticed that there were only "skid" marks where the rear wheels were spinning.  we then went to another soft area, put it in 4wd low, and hit the gas a little, it appears that the front wheels did not dig in.  1)  is this a common problem with 4wd in fords?. 2)what could the problem be.  Problem # 2:  recently my fuel gauge stop working. any solutions?

I am not mechanically inclined, but I can change a starter and install a car stereo system......are any of my problems fixable by myself?

Answer
remove the back side of the actuator motor on the transfer case....then take an eraser and erase the carbon tracks inside. This is what prevents the electric motor from engaging the 4x4 system, usually.
As far as the gas gage goes, bring it to a garage unless you are able to remove the fuel tank and replace the pump/sending unit.