I have heard countless times that the auto tranny is the Achilles heel for the caravan, which is probably why their resale is so low. Is it difficult to have a 5 speed manual tranny - or even a 5 speed auto - installed? Something that would be more dependable? I am sure you will say it is not worth the trouble...but I am in love with my '89

 

I replaced my 3-speed in my '96 caravan due to the fact that those transmissions are not too expensive to buy new and even more important is that the 3-speed does not need a PCM. So basically it is just a matter of taking out the old tranny and bolt the new one back in without having to go to a dealer to let a PCM re-learn the tranny.

4-speed and up most likely have a PCM...

 

I don't even know what transmission you would use for it. Anything can be done with enough money and effort. But if that engine was never used in manual trans configuration, then you would have to fabricate alot more, like an adapter plate for example etc etc etc. Like dutch said trannies are cheap(hell they made millions of them), just replace when it breaks. If you just want a 5 speed because you like driving manual, then pick up a cheap neon as a second vehicle.