What's next for my '97 T&C Lxi?

Soon will be twice now that I've had to replace the tensioner and belt (yes, those darned slipping issues, however a 15mm wrench and dirty hands works as a temporary fix), probably have to replace the water pump, since it's apparently leaking. A full brake replacement job was done a few thousand miles ago, and the transmission was replaced 50k or so miles ago before I got the vehicle. I love the car, it's probably the most comfortable I've ever driven, and I'd like to keep it running, but at some point I'll reach the point of diminishing returns where it's no longer worth it. Just curious what I have to (not) look forward to in the near future?

Also, seems like a strange question to ask, but is there a way to keep water from going up into the engine block to prevent the belt from slipping? Also, is it possible to convert this to an awd? I know the lxi came in fw and awd, I wonder if there's a way (probably expensive) to get awd for the icy winter.

What's your mileage?

There should be a plastic shield under the area where the serpentine belt is. If it is missing, this would cause the belt to get splashed each time the wheels hit a big puddle. Is the shield there?

mileage is about 195k. Plastic shield? Not that I have seen, is it near the bottom near the wheels, or is it up higher, just below the belt and pulleys? There's something underneath, but it doesn't extend very far out, since I've considered strapping sheet steel underneath the engine to alot better protection (with vent holes obviously). I can see that there is pulley misalgnment however, and it makes a whirring noise when I step on the accelerator.

Sounds like the shield is gone. If you are underneath, you shouldn't be easily able to see the serpentine belt. Whoever replaced it last must not have put the shield back on....

Seems like I remember some plastic piece a while back that I couldn't figure out a place for, but this was some time ago. Guess it's off to Lowe's for sheet metal once I get the tensioner replaced.

Any other issues in the forseeable future?

At 195K, if they haven't already failed at least once, you can expect to replace all of these goodies at any point in the near future:

Radiator
AC/Heater Blower Motor
Resistor Block
Blower Motor Relay
EGR Valve/Solenoid/Transducer
Several hardened, leaking rubber hoses under the hood
Starter
Tensioner Pulley
Serpentine Belt
Alternator
Transmission/Torque Converter
Rear Drums
Front Rotors
Front Stabilizer Rods

Pretty much any moving part. Although, your motor may be fine... AT 255K, I've never had a major engine failure. Mine still runs strong, but then again, I'm a fanatic when it comes to changing fluids and filters.

At 195K, if they haven't already failed at least once, you can expect to replace all of these goodies at any point in the near future:

Radiator
AC/Heater Blower Motor
Resistor Block
Blower Motor Relay
EGR Valve/Solenoid/Transducer
Several hardened, leaking rubber hoses under the hood
Starter
Tensioner Pulley
Serpentine Belt
Alternator
Transmission/Torque Converter
Rear Drums
Front Rotors
Front Stabilizer Rods

Pretty much any moving part. Although, your motor may be fine... AT 255K, I've never had a major engine failure. Mine still runs strong, but then again, I'm a fanatic when it comes to changing fluids and filters.

Don't forget the A/C Evaporator, heater core (front and rear), and the struts! Also, I couldn't agree more on the vacuum hoses! Very important to check those....