Need help figuring out what part this is!

Hello Tacoma World! I've had my 1998 Toyota Tacoma for the past 8 months and I'm having a little issue with her. Could anyone help me by telling me what this part is? I think it has something to do with the temperature gauge because sometimes she'll spike up to the red line then drop back down to the middle until the other day when it began to smoke from this part/hose and inside the cab. Btw I was using the A.C the day she smoked up. She still runs.

 

looks like a heater control valve
https://www.autozone.com/cooling-heating-and-climate-control/heater-control-valve/toyota/tacoma

 

I think you're right. Looks right. Thanks alot!

 

@4x4.ash please go to the top and edit your title thread; "HELP" is reserved for those that are stuck and/or stranded and need immediate assistance.

 

Oh shit. Don't drive it until you fix this. These engines can be sensitive to overheating rather quickly.
That is the temp blend valve or heater mix valve. I'll search for a part number for you to order. Or you just taking it in?

 

Haven't taken it anywhere yet. Was wanting to figure out the part first. Thanks!

 

This is the part:
https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...ma&Year=1998&Submodel=4+Wheel+Drive&Filter=()
Throw your vehicle info in to make sure before ordering, might wanna do new hoses since it'd be easy to do them while you're doing the temp control valve.

 

That's the part I'm looking for. Thank you!

 

Ouch! Toyotas sure proud of that part as well as the hoses...