While replacing the alternator on my 06 XL 4.6 today I noticed a component beside it that looks cracked and corroded. Can anyone ID it for me?

It is located at the front of the drivers valve cover above the idler pulley with a single wire connecting it to the engine harness.




The other question I have is about the intake manifold. You can see it leaking coolant near the thermostat in the picture. I am planning on replacing it and the gaskets, but is there anything else I should replace while I have it torn apart?

 

I believe the cracked unit is an engine noise suppressor.

 

Makes sense. I thought it might be grounding out part of the 4x4 system since its a 2wd and its the connector has two wires