MTX-75 grinds going into 3rd gear. synchro or something else?

[xFOCIx]

I noticed that when I downshift into 3rd gear from cruising speed to pass someone, it grinds. I thought I wasn't releasing the clutch all the way at first. So I made sure I pushed on the clutch all the way and swiftly engaged into 3rd gear and sure enough it grinds.

I can go from 3 to 2 at 60mph quickly and it won't grind.

I also noticed that the shifter now goes into reverse in between 4 and R without pulling on the boot. Does it seem like a bent shifter linkage part from some idiot who worked on my car trying to get into reverse and can't work the pull-up interlock instead of the more common "push in" interlock?

[KogboxKing]

...Sounds like 3rd gear blocker ring is worn out.On MTX75's used in Contour/Cougar,most 3rd gears were a 'twin-blocker' design...which lasts longer re wear , and operates better. When the Focus MTX75 came in Ford downgraded the design on 3rd gear(cost save!) to a single blocker..which is why they wear out so quick. We have rebuilt many MTX75s and upgraded the 3rd gear to the earlier 3rd gear part with a twin blocker design.BTW ,you can't get these parts from Ford anymore..we have been doing MTX75's for around 11 years now....

[xFOCIx]

Is this a common problem with the Focus MTX? I do mostly highway driving so I don't shift that much and I've only got 65,000 miles. I just realize it grinds going into 5th too if I do it quickly.

i.e. going 45 and wants to pass a semi on a 65 limit highway. Quick entry into 3rd = grind. Re-entering 5th after passing = grind. So far I can only avoid it by following the shifter in slowly or double clutching.