1991 Ford Ranger something broke/grinding noise coming up u

I've had an old 4cyl 5speed ranger with a new clutch for 6mo and it always seemed like I need one more lower gear like a granny for going up steep hills. I've smelled burning clutch if I have to start out uphill. But yesterday I was just shifting into 3rd and got a loud clunk followed by some bucking and grinding coming from under the stick and it felt like I geared down into 1st (no I did not--it was still in 3rd when I pulled over). I could still shift so I drove it a block to a big parking lot checking out the gears-- they all work but catch going in and then make the grinding noise which rattles the whole truck and pulls down on the engine. The grinding also happens in neutral but quits completely when I step on the clutch.