Honda Utility ATV Tech

Sez one of the best wrenches I know of, on this forum! Besides.. there's a TON of "my ES failed here, or won't shift, or display is dead" posts. If you have trouble with a Foot Shift (FM models), it's usually mechanically adjustable to fix... or a straightforward parts swap. The ES models that have problems seem to harbor the electrical "gremlins" that go away at best but never get fixed. YMMV

go with the '02-'04 trx450fm..stay far away from any trx450es period !. 

I don't know that it's a "350 issue"   The 350 Ranchers, 420 Ranchers, and 05-11 Foremans that I've fixed have almost always needed crank rebuilds.   The small end of the connecting rod always has play with the wrist pin.   Vince (Mr Crankshaft) said the older engines tended to oil that area better, so they tend to not have wear in that specific area quite as often.   And of course, you have to remember that almost every wheeler I get is trashed/ blown up/ neglected when I get them

On the aftermarket wheels, what you said is the best option.   The Rincon wheels are a little better tucked in

Yikes!  I'd say your running really rich or burning oil, or both!