1997 Explorer 4x4 6.0L OHV.

I had to cut down the spare tire today because the mechanism isn't working (everything is rusted under there and it's about to get some TLC).

Once I got it down I found this ...



I don't know what it is. There appear to be fuel lines going to and coming from it. The metal bracket holding it up is almost completely toast.

Can anyone tell me what this is, please?

 

Didn't think I'd find the answer on google but I did ... Evap system purge containers.

I guess I need to find the plastic brackets that came on the newer model years and ditch the rusted shell that is there.