PLEASE HELP: Rattling/ Check Gauge/Overheat/ Car shutting off

Got a 95 Ranger XLT 4 cycliner, stickshift.

Okay, I was driving the other on the highway, and I hear a small rattling which gets a bit louder. Next thing I know I am exiting at my exit, and the car shuts off WHILE RUNNING! I manage to force the steering enough to turn on the exit, and stop when I come to the light.

I turn the car on again and keep driving. It shuts off about 3-4 times again before I reach my house, BOTH when I stop AND during when the car is running on the street!
I turn it back on, even once as it is rolling down the street, and I make it home. A few blocks from home, I realize that the Check Gauge light has come on and that my temperature gauge is hot, on the H(igh) mark. I have also been noticing a rattle the whole time.

I get home, check the Antifreeze receptacle, and its empty. I put in some prestone/water, and leave it there. The next day, I drive the truck around the block, the checkgauge light and temp seem to be gone (although I only drove it around the block), BUT The rattling is still there as I drive. ANY IDEAS FOLKS???

Thanks much,
SL

check the radiator mounts, coolant is going somewhere. The checkgauge light came on because of the nonnormal temp, just find and replace the problematic peice and you should be good to go.

Thanks man. A heater Valve was cracked and the hose was coming off, and the coolant was leaking through there. I replaced the Valve (cost $20) and all seems cool for now. Thanks for your help!