I'm new also
just did 2 phones (3G) this week with almost no problems
i downgraded from 4.2.1 to WD 3.1.3 easily
I just downloaded the correct version (mine was locked and not jailbroken)
then unzipped
and downloaded iReb (i think thats what it's called)
plugged in and ran iReb to put it into black mode (DFU)
Then ran iTunes Shift+Restore and selected the WD file
Thats it
Just make sure you set it up as a New Phone
Afterwords run the ./Configurator and answer the questions (y/n) to turn on/off items you do/don't use
items like multi tasking, obliterator, MMS, tethering, etc.
Good Luck!