I have the 3.8 Liter V6. What difference is there in terms of performance between the belt and the chain? Gradual wear/noise versus catastrophic failure? I think I have a non-interference engine, but darned if I really know. The vehicle has been mechanically very trouble free, with only a couple of minor problems, and I would like to run it another 50K; I suppose with that plan, it makes sense to replace the belt/chain soon, seeing I probably wiil have to do it eventually, but only once.
The Chrysler 3.8L is a pushrod engine. As such, it has a camshaft in the block which actuates the overhead valves via pushrod; that is, it is NOT an overhead cam ("OHC") engine. The camshaft is driven by a simple chain on two sprockets.
While chains stretch over their lifetimes, you do not need to have this chain replaced, or even inspected. You do not need to further investigate whether you have a belt or a chain because it has a chain.
The issue of interference is moot with this engine. Sure, the chain could break but it's virtually unheard of, so I'd not worry about it.
How do I know all of this? Welllll... I have a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan with the 3.3L engine, which is a sibling of your 3.8L engine. Also, I'm a global mod at the Chrysler Minivan Fan forum, so as a result of my experience there (and with cars in general), I'm pretty familiar with these vans and the engines. You can read about the pushrod family of Chrysler V6's here:
Chrysler/Dodge 3.3 - 3.5 - 3.8 V6 engines
For clarity, the fourth generation van (which you have) had only three engines:
2.4L four cylinder, available only in the short wheel base models. I would have to see if these engines had a timing belt, but I think the answer was "yes".
3.3L V6 and 3.8L V6. These engines are very similar to each other.
There was a 3.0L V6 (made by Mitsubishi) which had single overhead cams and was belt driven, but it was discontinued before the fourth generation vans debuted. It was a non-interference engine.
The 4.0L DOHC was not available in the fourth generation vans. It first appeared in the fifth generation vans in MY 2008. It was sold alongside the venerable 3.3L/3.8L pushrods and was the first Mopar minivan to have a six-speed transmission.
MY 2011 is remarkable, as it is the first year in which there is a single engine/transmission combo in the Mopar vans. The 3.6L Pentastar family of V6's has eliminated both the 4.0L and pushrod engines. It's a significant improvement over any V6 Chrysler has ever produced. It makes a whopping 283 HP in minivan trim, and is mated to a six speed, which I expect to increase by two more gears by 2014, when Sergio Marchionne and Co. say the sixth generation van will appear.
Hope this helps.
