Dave, it is a top loader, Ford made and installed thousands of SROD's and put then in everything from Fairmonts to Mustangs to Ganada's, with 4 bangers to V-8's it's a good stout tranny, I've use them in the past, the problem is there is a big step between 2 and 3, with 4th being a overdrive, it makes 3rd gear 1 to 1. If it's real cheap maybe, other wise wait for a good deal on a T-5.
Walt