So if I gathered right, the "crash box" is unsynchronized. Mine gets a bit annoying because of grinding gears. From a complete stop in neutral then shifting to first, I get a "mild" grinding. 2nd and 3rd may or may not grind depending on engine revs. or truck speed. Is this normal? It is not the original transmission but looks and fits like the original to my '54 235.

54 Chevy 3100 Deluxe 3 speed on column. Keeping original as possible but changed to 12 volt system.
JB Weld..."I put that stuff on everything"