A Mark Of Distinction Mystery Cache

A Puzzle cache - the cache container is not at the posted coordinates, the puzzle below will reveal the coordinates of the actual cache. The puzzle phase is in populated areas, the final cache is in a more rural environment, but near some traffic and buildings. The terrain rating is based on the distance to walk the first 4 stages.

N 42° 44.005 W 084° 29.093 is the location of the first of four signs. Make sure you use the West facing side of this sign (you will be facing East). Use the sign with this cypher to locate the second sign:

"(1:1)(2:22)(3:5)(7:24) (1:8)(10:9)(8:23)(4:4)"

Once you locate the second sign, face South, reading the North facing side of this sign to decypher this to obtain the location of the third sign:

"(8:20)(1:4)(3:4)(2:8)(2:4)(15:2)(15:1) (4:1)(1:9)(4:26)(2:1)(1:5)(4:3)"

Face the third sign from the South, looking North:

"(3:11)(6:2)(1:4)(3:4)(1:7)(1:2)(4:5)(2:6)"

The fourth (and final) sign provides the keys to the cooridinates of the actual cache.

NNN = 2108 - (first year on sign)
WWW= 2460 - (second year on sign)

N 42° 43.NNN
W 084° 28.WWW

NOTE: The four signs of the puzzle phase are within walking distance of each other. The Cache is about 1.5 miles from the area of the signs. There is metered parking near all locations, although not much near the cache. There are four metered "guest" parking spaces within a short distance from the cache, and many spaces nearby, if you have an MSU Employee parking permit. Also note that the four signs are all of the same type.