What would cause this to happen?

Pop

 

Maybe the brakes or drivetrain locked up, and they tried to pull it anyhow ???

 

WOW! I agree maybe tried to pull start it with a very heavy load only the brakes were never released and that tow truck driver gave it some pedal. I still think that is a long shot though. They would not try to tow it with a strap like that that's for shore.

 

I guess they don't make them like they used to.

 

I bet they some head scratchin goin on there
there is frame on the front so the back has to have some missin

 

Transformer malfunction.

 

Wait a sec, I want to see what kind of truck is hooked up to the other side of that tow strap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Maybe they were pullin' it with a bulldozer...

 

I have several pics of this in a Powerpoint file. They were pulling it with another drilling rig, but don't know the make. It pulled the frame apart just ahead of the engine. Kenworth uses a bolt-on casting on each side of the frame at this location for front spring mount and cooling package mounting. I don't think these castings were meant for this much lateral load.

 

It would be a great time to think about changing that fan belt.

 

I remembered the front castings and have saw them broker on dumps numerous times,but never saw the front axle come with it

 

Well there's your problem!

 

I don't know, but it looks like its gonna be a booger to get back together.

 

my guess is they forgot to release the brakes.

 

See thats why they should never have invented front wheel drive big rigs. rugerman