i have a 1997 ford ranger with a 3.0 v6 with 178000 miles on it. i have noticed that when the truck is cold it will backfire when i push the gas pedal and it will seem like there is no power then it will backfire and start running better, it also seems like it doesn't have as much power as it use to when i first got it. it sounds like it is backfiring out of the exhaust and it idles kinda rough to. i was wondering if it could be a clogged catalytic converter or if it is something else. i do know that my check engine light has been on since i bought it 5 years ago and i haven't really had any other problems with it, any ideas would be nice

 

For a first step, why not pull the codes? The first problem sounds like what a dirty MAF would cause. The backfiring would be from misfire, so it wouldn't hurt to check the ignition system, especially plugs and wires.
I would suggest going to an parts store and getting the codes read. Many will do it for no charge. Report back with what you find.
tom