Condenser and trans cooler belong in front of the radiator. Electric fan should pull from behind the radiator. Be sure to check that the fan rotation spins the blades to pull!
Water pump rotation.....Conventional rotation for typically older chevies is clockwise when looking at the front of the engine if it has v-belts. Newer with serpentine belt will have a counter-clockwise rotating water pump and pump-mounted fan (if equipped)
I don't think you'll know which rotation pump you have by looking at them unless comparing with a new pump (maybe not even then!)
Contrary to popular thought, your engine will ALWAYS run cooler if you take out the stat, which I recommend you try just to see what the engine produces for natural temperature.
I was told (and didn't believe) by several mechanics that one in three new thermostats are defective.... I started believing when I installed a new one that was bad.... I now heat a cup of water in the microwave to the correct temperature (checked with thermometer) and drop the new stat in to see if it opens before I even bother installing it!