95 ford thunderbird problems.......

i have a 95 ford thunderbirdlx v8 4.6l ohc. but yeah it gets pretty hot some times down by the floorboards when i drive it sometimes but never over heats the temp gauges stays in the middle and also theres this knocking sound when i go over speed bumps and my battery gauge flicker ever so often like theres a fluxuation in power. i just want to repair it fix it up its still a good rides smooth brand new tranny in it my last one was blown by an ex. but i dont know what to do. dont have the money for a mechanic rite now just need some opinions thanx. also the heater dosent work?

Look for a bad shock for the noise. Look for a loose battery cable or corrossion. Check to see if the cooling system is full. You may need a new thermostat or the heater core flushed.

Try driving it at night and when you feel the floors getting warm, look under the car to see if part of the exhaust system is glowing. The cats may be overheating or a partial blockage in the exhaust system.