80 series rear diff

That looks like damage to me. What's it like on the other side?

Pete,
Most likely caused while substantial load on the vehicle suspension.
It looks distinctly like someone has used a small dia hydraulic bottle jack and misplaced it where there is little strength and it has buckled and imprinted the circular end into the pressed metal of the housing.
Not good though and if the rear wheels have NO detectable toe in or Camber (induced by the damage) when carefully and accurately checked, it probably won't be a problem. Seems as though it has been like it for a long time.
I would look to see if there is any minute stress cracks nearby and in the welds of the underside housing seam.
If all ok, and you remain concerned, a good welding skill may be able to plate that area if required. Vented with axle out is best to avoid gas/combustion of fumes causing a sudden pressure build up/quick small fire inside.

Looks like impact damage to me. Non of my cruisers developed a dent like that from access weight and I did totally overload them in western desert remote trips . Both my rear diffs cracked at 12 oclock position on the rear diff pumpkin which was later plated with no further issues. Looks like your rear coil by the thickness wouldn't carry to much weight. Are they stock?

Thanks all, not my vehicle & yes all stock standard, received conformation that it’s just the pic/lighting/shadow and there is no damage to it.

Cheers,
Pete.

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It is clearly damage. There is some agenda going on here.

G'day Pete

My 80 series Cruiser rear axle housing (diff) as of ten minutes ago, the Cruiser is obese and has in excess of 600,000 Kilometres logged on the odometer.

The Cruiser is used for it's intended purpose which is mainly adventuring off road and caravan towing, if you look closely you can see a Jumper Cable/battery weld done on the rear spring perch, it was the best I could do at the time about 11 years ago somewhere in the Great Sandy Desert near Telfer.

My guess is the image you have shown is that of a Jack screw dent.

Safe travels : Joe Fury.