Application sync causes iTunes crash . iPhone 3G

With no particular reason when I sync iTunes would crash. No new apps or app updates. So I deleted apps off the phone, turned off app sync, etc. Still happened so I did a restore. That helped for a bit, I could at least get my music and podcasts to sync again. So I decided to download a few apps (previously purchased) and again it crashes upon sync even if I then turn off the app syncing. So another restore and all is well again.
Deleted backups, removed apps. I thought it was a particular app so after restoring I will turn on JUST app syncing. No matter which apps are selected to sync, it ALWAYS crashes on the second app. So back to crashing again.
Defiantly app related and I did do a quick search but no one seems to have this exact same issue.
I have not restored and setup as new phone. Important text messages I can not afford to lose. But I am guessing that would be my next step.
AL iMac Mac OS X (10.5.5)