Interesting story/problem

[johnny1217]

Im new here so first off....Hi!
The other day I found a 97 Ford Explorer xlt(6cyl) online for sale.
I went today and test drove it around the block a few times and all was fine.
I bought it and when on the highway driving home the abs and battery light come one.Then the 4wd light flicers on and off but for the most part was off.
As this is all happing the engine is getting louder to me.
I was told when i bought the car the exhaust made noise over bumps but this sounded like the fan or something rattling.
I finally make it home(after pooing my pants) and shut her down.I try to start up again and get nothing but a click.I get in my house and eat and after 20 minutes came out.It started right up again but again engine is loud and the abs/battery light is on the dash.I notice the voltage needle is all the way down and the blinkers while working on the outside wasnt showing on the dash.Turn headlights on which worked fine and notice the dash doesnt illuminate.I shut it down d/c the battery for like 5 minutes.Car wont start.
I was told the car was sitting for a while so Im hoping its just the battery.When started it doesnt stall so ill assumes the alternater is ok.
Also noticed the stereo going on and off on its own.
As far as the engine noise im hoping its just something like the fan not getting enough juice.
Thanks in advance for any help or advice.....tommorow is another day.

[ZBlackBeast]

its a belt driven fan, is it SOHC or OHV, SOHC could be the timming rattle, the alternator is bad if when the car is running and the voltage light is on and the needle is off. the flashing lights are a code in the t-case meaning something wrong with t-case. take it to a shop and have them look at it. How much did you pay? Sounds like you got a truck that was REALLY beat up..