Front handles should be interchangeable; the slider handles changed when the door was redesigned- I've heard different, but seen all '85 and up with the new handle for the slider. (This is for U.S. models). 

Ed

> Date: Mon, 2 May 2011 07:59:06 -0700
> From: candleroz@YAHOO.CA
> Subject: will '86 door handles work on my '84?
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> hello fanagons,
> 
> new owner of an old beater and have been looking for replacement parts... in guatemala. Going the online route and found a handle kit for an '86 that looks the same as my two-pinned front door handle remaining... except for a slight flattening in on of the pins. Anyone know if this is going to work with my still existing lock mechanisms?  Same question for the sliding door outer handle. 
> 
> 
> thanks,
> K. 
>