In my old '51 Ford 1-1/2 ton with its crash-box,I got lazy;I'd just feather the throttle,pull it into neutral,stab the clutch and grab the next gear. For downshifting,same maneuver except give it a shot of throttle while hitting the clutch. No problem. drove my best friend crazy-he drove a OTR super-tanker,and couldn't drive my old beater across town without scratchin' gears.
Speed