looking at 87-89 caravan is there any problems or kwirks i should know about?

what about the 3 and 4 speed trans what is more reliable? what engine to choose 2.5 3.0 or what?
is there a lowering kit that can fit the van?

Those years had ring problems. They crack or wear and let excessive blowby which will dramatically shorten its life. The automatics were never overly bulletproof, but they don't have any specific issues that I know of. They should last 80-120k if driven well and the fluid gets changed every once in a while.

I would say that as far as reliability is concerned, they would not be on my top ten list... in fact they might make my bottom 10 :) The later caravans were much better.

well im lookign for amini van that can be modded (but still beable to hual around stuff) what would you sudjest for a minvan that is fairly cheap?

Well, a good platform to start with would be an Astro Van. Many of the S-truck parts are interchangable. V8s will fit in the Astro, and the front-engine, rear drive platform is a little easier to mod.

Also, GM parts for vehicles like the Astro are cheap and readily mixed and matched for desired effects; lowering, handling, and brake upgrades can be done with a little research and off-the-shelf GM parts.