1998 silverado loosing coolant.....HELP!!

I've got a 1998 Silverado (Z71) and last night I went to change the oil and found a substantially large puddle of coolant on the ground right under the skid plate.

My thoughts are that the coolant was sitting on top of the skid plate and when I drove the truck onto the ramps the coolant flowed off of it.

There is no doubt that the truck is loosing coolant though. I just filled it up last week and when I checked it, the truck was almost dry.

I am pretty sure the leak is right above this skid plate somewhere but I could not find it last night.

I guess I was just wondering if any of you have encountered this and what the problem ended up being in the end.

Thanks in advance for any help
Rick

Most likely a water pump.Get an inspection mirror and check right under the pump after a short road test.

OK, I will check this tonight. I have been doing a bit of researching and I have found that some guys have thier intake manafold leak also, does this sound right??

If it happens to be the water pump, I have never replaced one, is this something that I should tackle if I am moderately mechanically inclined or should I just bring it in?

It is the water pump. Right where the fan shaft comes into it. Any info or instructions on how to replace this? (Or links)

It is the water pump. Right where the fan shaft comes into it. Any info or instructions on how to replace this? (Or links)

It's very easy to replace. the inlet and outlet bolts, a few hoses, the pulley. That's about it. There should be a little hole in the shaft housing, this is to let you know your bearing is worn out, by letting water pass the bearing causing a visible leak.