i have an 86 with auto trans and when I shift into reverse after starting it it usually takes a minute (60 + seconds) or more to engage, some times it hits kinda hard and sometimes it just kinda eases off. Dosen't seem to slip or any thing, goes into drive just fine trans fluid level ok. any ideas ????

 

I'm guessing you have a A904? Try putting it in Neutral for a few moments, then shift to R. See if anything changes.
How does the manual L range work? If that's slow too, might be the low/reverse band.

 

No low gear works just fine it's only reverse gear that has the probem

 

What happens when you do this?

 

moving the shifter to d or L doesen't work only time does the trick. some times it locks up with hard hit and most of the time at kinda slides slowy in to gear

 

Reverse needs higher apply pressure than the forward gears, that's why I suggested shifting to (N) and waiting a few moments. That trans doesn't pump fluid in Park.
Fluid level, fluid quality, filter, reverse/low band, worn pump and/or seals would be on the list.