Abstract: A rod pump system includes subsystems or components which are adapted to provide efficient operation when operating with produced fluids having high gas content or in highly deviated wellbores, or both. The subsystems or components include a traveling valve assembly, a sliding top valve assembly, an oil/gas separator, or a rod bushing and pump barrel assembly, or combinations of such subsystems or components. The rod pump system may be deployed in conjunction with conventional, unconventional or enhanced oil recovery techniques, such as steam-assisted gravity drainage, miscible flood, steam, gas or water injection.