Looks like water pump is leaking just under the thermostat. Take out radiator and grill or come in from top? Any brands to avoid? Thanks

 

Take out the electric and mechanical fan and take the pump out that way. It will be a lot easier and faster than taking the radiator out. It is a pretty easy job to do.

 

Don't know in your '88, but def can keep the radiator in for more recent years.
Good time to revise some other stuff as well, since you will be draining the coolant.
Consider doing new thermostat and radiator hoses while you're there and back flush your heater core. These things all require to drain your coolant again (except heater hoses), so might as well do them now if you plan to replace them anyway...

 

No need to remove radiator. As stated R&R from above. Would only replace with factory or possibly high end NAPA. Nothing else. Fel-Pro gaskets. Replace thermostat, from dealer, and as also stated anti-freeze as well.

Good Luck

 

im running a new pump from airtex... got a good deal on it.. no problems yet.. i re-did my entire cooling system.. she sits at 200 and refuses to go higher or lower.. im happy!

 

No where near as bad as I thought. The inside of the pump was pitted very badly. Thats everything but the heater core. Maybe shell be good for a while. Thanks for the info