Don't skip the clutch.
Yee-haw! If you were shiftin' from second to third without taking your time and matching the engine speed to transmission speed, I can imagine your consternation with the grinder sound.
Don't worry, though, these old truck had tough gears and parts, and you didn't do any damage unless you just plain forced the shifting.
If you want to get an idea about synch, as you are slowing approaching a stop sign or a turn sometime, just ease the shift lever from 4th to neutral, but DON'T FORCE ANYTHING. If all is well, the shifter will move easily to neutral and you will be coasting, out of gear.
This stuff is Chapters 1 and 2 of "How to Fall in Love with Driving a Big Stovebolt."
Ssomewhere around Chapter 10 you will read about shifting using only the foot feed and the shifter. Yeah I know it ain't recommended, and I don't shift without the clutch (even though I can and have done so), but lots of people used to shift gears without the clutch, and it can be done. Its really cool, and you know you're driving a truck.
