Bumpity
I'm having the exact same problem with my '96. Fuse #17 keeps blowing, sometimes on start up, and sometimes after 15-20 minutes of driving.
Is the ground you are talking about the one that terminates on the passenger side of the block with the oil pressure sending unit ground? Going to have to tackle this tomorrow.
I did replace the VSS about 2 weeks ago when I swapped transfer cases, so not sure if this is related. From best I can tell from the FSM it splits off and goes to the PCM, so if this was causing a problem I'd be getting a check engine light, right? Any help would be greatly appreciated.