Custom Builds - Restorations

Pictures are of above. Based on its color code it is a 2001 since it says trx350fm1 but I’m still intrigued why the vin isn’t lining up like it should? 

a pic is worth a thousand words, post a pic, then we can tell you what you have.

This is a first for me, I picked up a rancher 350 today, which the knowledge on the ranchers they started in 2000-2004 (I believe was the last year) and they replaced the fourtrax 300. Well according to the vin it’s claiming to be a 1996! Anyone had this occur? Everything looks too smooth and right for it to be vin plate swapped. Anyone know of manufacture faults? 

yes, oil seal right there on front cover where the final shaft comes through. you do not have to pull the engine to replace this seal ?..but..you do have to pull engine, split it, in order to replace the final shaft.