Andy, how did you know the belt was shredding? did you just happen to notice it? any symptoms other than some odd dust?
Well, here's the full version of the story.
I was heading into town (I live out in the rural about 14 miles.). A nearby friend was needing a ride to his friend's house to get his vehicle (had a sound system installed).
Anyway, on the main road, I took the Van up to about 75 mph to blow-out the cobb webs as it had not been driven in about a month. About 3 miles shy of my destination was where I had to drop off my friend (he's a big talker). As we were cruising along he was gabbing. The gabbing, road roar, my horrible hearing, etc., I did not hear anything unusual (engine ran great). When I stopped to let him out was when I heard the horrible sound. I immediately shut down the engine. I raised the deck lid and could smell antifreeze and see a bit of steam (did not over heat).
Well, I wasn't exactly off the highway. So, I fired it up and moved to the shoulder. Immediately, I popped off the TB cover and saw the carnage.
My destination was 3 more miles down the road. There was no way the TB would have held up another mile.
Luckily, my uncle's garage was nearby. So, he pulled me there with his tractor.... I did a complete TB install at his garage! The engine did stay in time without any doubt. We drove it to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in late July on the way to Alaska where we had issues (another long story). After solving those issues, we decided to head back home via the Badlands, Rushmore, etc. (that would have been our 3rd trip with this Van to Alaska).
So, there's no doubt the engine is fine. ..... I sure did dodge the bullet!