Wear on the timing gears, multiplied by incorrect nut torque. Not sure if it actually "slips" but wears down to being less advanced. This is according to the mechanic I talked to.
Brother, I don't know who you're talking to but you'd be better off talking to my 7 year old son. At least if he doesn't know something that's what he'll tell you, "I don't know".
If you have that much wear on your drive gears you've got some MAJOR lubrication problems.
Scott