'98 Ranger cuts out with no warning symptoms

[aschramm]

Hi everyone, hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

I have a '98 Ranger, ~122k miles, original 5-speed transmission, 2.3 L 4-cylinder engine, and muffler. Recently my truck has cut out within about 3 minutes of driving on two separate occasions. I was driving about 40mph and I noticed my steering cut out, turns out the engine was off. I pressed in the clutch and was able to restart while coasting with no problems and I couldn't replicate the problem any more times while driving. I have had no problems ever of not being able to start the vehicle.

If it's worth anything (I'm pretty noobish at all of this), my muffler is the original and is in dire need of replacing (driving in Wisconsin winters, salt can take a toll). Very loud and rattling. I'm curious if any of this has to do with the exhaust not being in good shape. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also as an unrelated note, I can remove my foot from the clutch while at a stop, and it will begin to move like it was a vehicle with an automatic transmission, even without depressing the gas pedal. Any ideas about this?

Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

[SCrangerdude]

As far as it shutting off unexpectedly, check your battery clamps. If they're loose, it's not uncommon for the engine to shut off, then start right back up again.