the dreaded 1988 heater core replacement
 

Hi...first timer here. I've just begun to replace my core and was wondering if I'm reading the haynes book right. Do I need to remove the entire dashboard/instrument panel and center console to gain access to the cooling/heater box? I have the whole bottom dash out and have removed most of the mounting nuts for cooler box but it's not budging. I also replaced the hoses and t-stat, plus a coolant flush. This job is a bear! Thanks!

It appears so but suggest you ask at the Toyotanation website for confirmation.

Is it leaking, plugged, etc?

it's leaking all over the carpet right from where the cooler box and heat box connect.....and the defogger is not working properly. I have every nut and bolt I can find off the dash panel but it's hanging up on something. Once I get this off, it should be pretty easy from there. I'm gonna replace all the light bulbs and the foam around the vents while I'm in here. Thanks