Lumina APV Chevy 1992

You say that the van started jerking and there was a loud bang and then front end starting shaking as you drove.
Probably the first thing to check for the shaking and vibration of the front end is your suspension system. Many times, you can get a free front end inspection at many garages that do algnments or that put on struts.
If you were a okay do it yourself mechanic this may help. For the banging or jerking, you may want to check your motor mounts. See if the engine jerks violently when you put in gear?
Also, the vehicle needs to be lifted up with frame on jack stands. Check for any loose componenents and that have excessive play. Observe all boots on tie rod ends and ball joints to make sure none are leaking out grease or busted and with excessive play. Check all bushings and motor mounts to make sure that they are not majorly crack or torn. Also, with steerng wheel unlocked move tires in and out as far as they will go to make sure tires are not rubbing against your frame or tranmission. Take off tires and make sure that your your cv boots are not busted and cv axles are still good. My van had worn bushings and worn balljoints, worn, busted cv bots and also was out of alignment. This was because when I bought her the motor mounts wer bad which caused all those problems. So, there was alot of banging and binding going on until I replaced bushigs, bad tire rod ends, bad motr mounts, put some good tires on her and had it aligned. Also, check for loose components that go to your struts etc. My van still has a sort of banging noise when van hits a small hump or bump because I have to replace the struts and and possibly the rubber parts as well which also causs many suspnsion problems. Let me know what happens. PS Get the repair manual for your vehicle and study it in and out. Get to know as much as you can about your vehicle and how to work on it. Its good to have mechanic friend for advice and suggestions.