Flat towed in 4lo and 1st gear by an RV...
Oops!
He needed a parachute to catch the pieces!
Speaking of pieces, I wonder how far the flywheel traveled after it left the jeep?
back of the envelope math..
285 70 17 = 636 rev's per mile
60 mph = 1 rev per minute
=636 rpm * 70 (70:1 crawl ratio = 45700rpm at the crank?
Would there be anything in the drivetrain worth salvaging, you think?
In reply to Mr_Asa :
short answer: no
Long answer: no
I can't wait for the insurance claim that is surely going to follow that. 
I cant believe the RV was strong enough to pull it that fast. And theoretically wouldn't the engine likely have locked up after throwing a rod or whatever else?
I see the math but I call BS on actually achieving 50k crank RPM
In reply to Robbie (Forum Supporter) :
Some of the diesel pushers are well over 600 hp and 1400 lb-ft of torque. It probably wouldn't even slow down.
They run up and down I 95 at 80 plus towing 25' enclosed trailers every spring and fall.
Fueled by Caffeine said:back of the envelope math..
285 70 17 = 636 rev's per mile
60 mph = 1 rev per minute
=636 rpm * 70 (70:1 crawl ratio = 45700rpm at the crank?
Edit again: Does the crawl ratio include all gearing? Looks like it does.
The manual has a total ratio of 84.2
I don't buy it. The scenario is dependent upon the tires having enough grip to not only overcome the initial mechanical disadvantage of the driveline going backward, but also maintain that grip over the varied surface of the road and wheel loading changes long enough to cause this. The torque converter would also somehow have to allow the torque to get to the engine, again, going backward. Not to mention the warning smoke that had to precede the actual parts eject. Dubious. The only way I could see this as a remote possibility would be if the transmission first fail in a way to allow the torque converter to fail, which took out the flex plate which took out the crank...
In reply to Apis Mellifera :
It was a 6 speed.
Robbie (Forum Supporter) said:I cant believe the RV was strong enough to pull it that fast. And theoretically wouldn't the engine likely have locked up after throwing a rod or whatever else?
I see the math but I call BS on actually achieving 50k crank RPM
I think it would have blown up far before 50k. Probably died a quick death after pulling away- large effort, engine blows up, and it suddenly gets easier. No problem.
In reply to Toyman01 (Moderately Supportive Dude) :
Ok, I couldn't hear well, but heard "converter" and assumed. Still though, the grip from the tires?
When looking under the car: "That's the valves." 
Couldn't find it in 5 minute search, but from about 10 years ago there were similar pictures of an AWD Explorer (or other SUV) towed in park. All 4 wheels were ground off flush with the rockers - and correspondingly more damage to the undercarriage.
We once had a Corolla show up at the shop, no start. Still in one piece, but zero compression. I think it came from Ontario, in second gear, behind the motorbus. Wore those rings right the berkeley out.
In reply to Apis Mellifera :
I think that was the catalytic converter he was talking about.
In reply to Duke :
That is one sturdy damn park pawl.
In reply to Robbie (Forum Supporter) :
I once had a buddy lose a clutch this way.. He had an SM420 trans witha 7:1 first.. a 2.46:1 transfer case(i think.. been some time) and 4:10 gears.. so 70:1 crawl ratio.. He wanted to crawled up to the top of a hill in first.. put in the clutch and coasted down the other side... In 1st gear.. Clutch exploded when he hit around 25...
I suspect the flywheel blew apart as they were coming up to speed.
That'll be on Copart soon.
From all the folks who have been stuck behind RVs on holiday:
Robbie (Forum Supporter) said:I cant believe the RV was strong enough to pull it that fast. And theoretically wouldn't the engine likely have locked up after throwing a rod or whatever else?
I see the math but I call BS on actually achieving 50k crank RPM
When Miatas were new, there was a story going around about a tow company picking one up by the front wheels. While it was in 1st gear. Engine did not tolerate that.
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