1998 Dodge caravan issues........HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!

i was told that there might be some good guys around here that know a thing or 2 about cars (haha) anyways..........i hope im posting this in the right place..........we have a 1998 dodge caravan with an issue. 1st of all it does start and run fine but the min. i put it in gear it dies, put it back into park, starts right up, back in gear, dies, over and over. went out for supper came home tried it and now it runs and drives but makes a funny "pinging" noise.........i was thinking the throttle body sensor or now maybe a timing chain / gear what ever they put in there..... anyone have any quick ideas, i would like to fix it at home here with out taking it to a shop, you guys and gals are the best!!

Thanks
Colin

If it runs but dies when you put it in gear that could be a vacuum leak or fuel issue or bad convertor.