Wow you guys are really good, but the points go to Hawks for getting it first.
It is the bell housing and it is for a truck I am getting parts for. The vehicle is a little strange and I have had problems with the American parts dealer explaining what I need and image sharing, so hopefully this works.
As for the vehicle it is a WWII 1944 White halftrack. It is being fully restored by our trusted mechanic and is to be used soon in a Speilberg-Hanks telemovie called 'The Pacific' which is being shot in Australia.
Here are some pics.
Hide it beneath a unit insignia so it kind of blends in. I take it they don't need any Japanese soldiers as extras? Seriously, you have to wonder where they keep/find all these for the movies and re-enactments.