What's the name / part number of this piece?
2008 F-150, 4.6L STX

 

That is the PCV valve
It is heated by coolant is why it looks way different than a normal PCV valve.
Replace it once in a while
I think the replacement interval used to be 60K miles but mine has 170K on it
You do need to watch coolant in the oil on an older one.
Best to replace it once in a while
My truck is a 4.2 and has the same one
I will be replacing it real soon

 

Not true on a 05 5.4l 3v , my pcv heater is on drivers side and is electric connection . Mine went bad (shorted out) several years ago never replaced since I'm in florida .