First of all, I'm a newbie to this forum. I've owned 2 dakotas and had good luck with each. My current (01 4x4 4.7L w/116k miles) is getting a little hard to start. It seems to start easier if I turn the key on for a second, turn it off, and then try to start. I think that the fuel filter at the pump may be a little clogged. So I slid under to see what's involved in dropping the tank and noticed something that looks strange to me.
The EVAP canister has a lot of moisture and "road debris" build up on it and it's spread across the bottom side of the truck (over the drive shaft and all the way to the opposite frame rail). All hoses are attached and don't seem to be dry rotted. Is this normal or do I have a problem? Can anyone offer any advise on what step I should take next? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Sam