if you're towing 5k pounds why don't you use the 250? doesnt make sense to metobuy a smaller vehicle to do the job. ofcourse gas has become an issue. a blazer w/ a 4.3 w/ the 4l60e should have given you no problems unless you or the previous owner beat it to death. you do that with any truck and you're asking for problems. either way, good luck with you new vehicle.