1994 Explorer hiccups and strange noises

Howdy all -

My 1994 Explorer is running boggy. It lurches and struggles when climbing hills, and coughs and spits while idling. When accelerating up a hill, I eventually hear a loud banging noise that seems to come from the rear, or center, shaking the whole vehicle. The problem is getting worse... Any ideas?

I'm going to follow the Fuel Filter Replacement How-To posted on this site and see if that corrects the problem.

I'm concerned about the banging noise though, and if it could be related.

look at your u joint on the drive shaft .any engine lights on .you can go to autozone for a free scan come back and let us know it very hard to tell what the trouble is with out diagnostic