What's the deal with my 1995 Ford Explorer?

It’s actually my husband’s car, but we have replaced the brakes, pads, fluids, etc, many times. What’s the deal? IT gets better for a little while, then starts making this terrible dragging sound (kinda like there’s a big tree branch stuck under the car). I don’t think he rides the brakes, so what’s the issue? Is it time to give up on this car? Thanks!

My 93 Ford Ranger did that. Awful racket. It was a plate (a heat shield, I think) near the catalytic converter that came loose. After I described the noise, the guy at the muffler shop guessed I had a Ford Ranger without being told. Said he’s seen a zillion. One quick weld and it was fixed. Cost fifteen bucks. Worth checking into.