It took a Chevy to get the job done.... I second the vote to turn the Dodge around. The side view pull angle would put a large downforce on the drive axle (Although these Rembrandts might have succeeded in putting the Dodge in the drink, too)....
That was dangerous as heck the way everyone was standing around a tight chain. Also, pulling a heavy load in reverse is the worst way to do it. A ring and pinion is made to take the load in the forward direction. Pulling in reverse is a good way to break your gears.
I am curious about the statement...have you read that somewhere so I can look it up? (ring-pinion part)