I wouldn't really describe the problem as "slippy", it just doesn't engage at the time, kind of like being in Neutral, then engages with a "clunck'.  Then, all I imagine are broken gear teeth!  This occurs whether vehicle is hot or cold and it is an irregular occurance.  
I'm unsure as to what is in a tranny kit, vehicle and paperwork in storage now but there was more to it than filters, some mechanical parts I believe.
Mileage = 125000 km
Thoughts out there??
Richard

From: scottdaniel@turbovans.com
To: dickd@sympatico.ca, 
Subject: Re: ominous sounds from automatic transmission
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:30:09 -0800

hi.
is it 'slippy' in reverse, especially 
cold ?
Not like it won't go into reverse, but it 
feels very slippy, usually about 20 seconds or so.
 
that's semi-normal, though if it does it 
all the time, that's not really right of course.
I had one that was freshly rebuilt that 
did that , not badly ........but it wasn't 'clunk in gear' ........but slippy, 
just a little, and after sitting overnight. 
 
I've had them do that for a long time too 
- often just sometimes, and not 'always always.' 
 
what's in a 'tranny kit' ? ......just a 
filter screen or what.
perhaps Daryl will chime in - 

sticky valve  body parts come to 
mind .
how many miles on it ? 
Scott 
 

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: 
  Richard DIXON 
  
  To: scottdaniel@turbovans.com 
  Sent: Friday, December 18, 2009 2:00 
  PM
  Subject: RE: ominous sounds from 
  automatic transmission
  
Don't mean to usurp this posting but can I get an opinion from 
  you Scott.  My 88 Vanagon auto with 125000 km is slow to shift into 
  reverse gear and eventually clunks when it engages.  I've changed fluid 
  and filter and had a"tranny kit" installed by a local mechanic but the problem 
  persists.  Any ideas?
Richard

> Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 
  18:10:50 -0800
> From: scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM
> Subject: Re: 
  ominous sounds from automatic transmission
> To: 
  vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> Have CV joints been considered 
  ?
> 
> I've been involved with two vanagon automatic transmissions 
  that did not
> work correctly - no, three, come to think of it.
> 
  No noises in any of them.
> 
>