I have an old truck, normally runs great, but recently it started making a rattling sound like something got knocked loose. The noise intensified whenever I would put on the gas or sometimes just coasting down a hill. Yesterday, the noise got so bad that it never stopped and, before I had a chance to do something about it, it just stopped on me altogether. I would put on the gas but no power. Now I can't even start it. I noticed on the inside of the wheel base on the passenger side that a bar was coming out and there was a rubber-like covering that had been chewed away. On the driver's side, this bar was not coming out and the covering was intact. Don't know if that had anything to do with the rest of the problem but I thought I would mention it. It's a 1989 Chevy S 10 pickup, automatic, 4 cylinder, RWD. What could the problem be? I know little about cars. Please help!

Can you get us some pictures of what you think may be the problem areas?
That may help narrow down the list...

Wonder if he threw a rod AND has steering/suspension problems?

Did the truck make the noise sitting still or only when it was moving