that's not a good sounding problem, I'd look into it. Since the data is backed up, try restoring it on another computer (wiped) and see if it syncs quickly.
It's possible there's a database on the ipod/itunes that it uses for syncing that needs to be reset somehow.
It's also possible there's a media problem on the ipod or your computer's hard drive.
I work for the Department of Redundancy Department
