1970 Sports Custom

[FoMoCoJeff]

I located a 1970 Sport Custom 360 4spd for pretty cheap, or at least I think cheap. It has some light surface rust, but overall pretty solid. Needs a lot of minor cosmetic things i.e. Drivers side mirror, interior trim etc... My question is, what's the pros and cons of the 360 with a 4spd? I really wanted an automatic, but I may just pick this up.

[1970 Hi-Boy]

On the good side, the combination you inquire about was made just for truck service. It will move the heaviest of loads from point A to B with no trouble at all. The 360 will run a long time given proper maintenance and can/will provide dependable service to its owner. As for the old cast iron 4 speeds, forget about it, these transmissions are near as bullet proof as you can get. There's not much to go wrong here. They were even in service in medium duty trucks (like a F600 dump truck for an example) so too the 360's close cousin the 361.
On the not so good side, the 360 or any FE powered beast won't win you any fuel mileage awards. One thing for sure, with or without a load, the mileage will stay about the same, poor. You probably won't be winning any drag races either, as the get up and go is saved for the load in the bed. While not one for quitting, it will run poorly for as seemingly as long as you allow it. While your 4 speed will be at the ready sooner or later at some point your clutch will need to be serviced. Also the 360 can be made to have more horsepower, is not generally a choice of the Hot Rodding community.
So if you want a truck, to do truck things, this may be for you, if you need a city type commuter vehicle, it may not be the best choice. Good luck with your decision.

[Ranchero50]

Really, a 360 and 4 speed isn't much different vs. the auto. Only real 'weak' area is wear stuff like the clutch linkage. Almost all of these trucks have 4.11 gears so the clutches last about forever, tranny is just a three speed with a granny so if the truck will hold the item off the ground, it will move it. Cruises @65 at 3000rpm for around 10-13mg. These trucks as built were meant for country roads, not interstates due to the gearing.