Spanish syntax

[lingos]

hello

many people, maybe erroneously, think language as a combination of vocabulary and grammar, and they almost neglect syntax

I rarely remember being taught syntax or buying a syntax book

most consider syntax as 'what preposition to choose' question, that may fall into grammar sections

however, recently I came across a phrase that made me think which are the spanish syntax issues that should be tricky

so, for example, syntax, among others means 'word order', and reading "tras 30 anos de nacimiento" made me believe there are too many one needs to learn in spanish and things that we consider straightforward are not (just contrast with english, where we say "30 years before birth")

I would like to ask, if it's correct to say these: (and if they have the same meaning):
"before 30 years from birth" - "tras 30 anos de nacimiento"
"30 years before birth" - "30 anos tras de nacimiento"
"30 years before birth" - "30 anos tras de nacimiento"

also, what other syntax issues are noteworthy and if there is a good reference/resource for these

thanks!