Also, when accelerating after going over a speedbump or from a red light, it sounds like something is banging against something else.
I think it sounds like the transmission, but for all I know, im wrong.
There is nothing stuck or dragging or anything else that dont belong.
Anyone else have a similar problem

95 caravan sport wagon

 

Can you narrow down where the noise is coming from, inside van, front, rear. It is difficult to locate noises sometimes. Maybe have someone stand beside the vehicle and accelerate from a stop and see if they can tell the source of the noise from outside.

 

the sound is coming from the rear of the car
it sounds like something grinding

One thing that just started happening today too, when i am slowing down, almost to come to a stop, the brakes make a noise that I can only describe as tires sqealing, but im not pressing even close to hard enough to make the tires lose grip
the brakes are still in good condition

I live in an area with extensive dirt roads too

 

Dirt roads are notoriusly rough so I would start by going under the van and try to move things around.Use a long screwdriver as a pry bar and maybe a hammer to help out.The squealing sound is probably road dust embedded into the pads and could be cleaned off by going to a safe parking lot or deserted road and braking firmly from 55-60 mph almost to a stop and then doing it again.Try it a few times to see if it helps.If the pads are worn more than you think they are it could be the wear indicator rubbing on the brake disc and causing a squeal.

 

thanks for the advice, ill try those things