Yes, the death occurred while in fourth gear at high RPMs. I was towing around 2200 lbs, where the manual states a 2000 lbs limit...plus I have larger tires. So the engine was being strained to it's max and I don't doubt something else contributed to it, such as distributor problem causing pre-ignition.

But at this point it doesn't matter what happened and the REAL PROBLEM is there's holes in my pistons and I can't do anything until I do have a new engine.

So once again I'd appreciate any advice on my original question that will help me in the future, rather than nitpicking the past.

Best regards,
Jacob