'97 Silverado going to break me

['94Blackbird]

Hi, I've had this '97 Z71 for about 6 months and it has been one thing after another. First it was the altenator, then the motor started knocking had to put a GM Goodwrench crate motor in at a coast od 5045.00 dollars canadian. And then with less then 2000 miles on it the fuel pump went. While I was under the truck I noticed that I have a broken leaf spring, which would explain why the truck does not sit level. Oh and it has speed sensitive steering and I guess there is a sensor that is going bad so when you turn to the right sometimes it seems to get more power steering which can take you by surprise.
So my question is should I trade in and get a 2003 GMC sierra Z71 with a 4.8 litre vortec. Are these motors good or do they have any problems. Maybe I should get a Ford or Dodge but the GM's seem to have better gas milage and the way the price of gas is going maybe I should stick with them.
What does anybody think, help me make up my mind. Probably the transmission will go next who knows. Anybody want to come to Canada I'll sell them a Z71 cheap. Thanks for reading this post just had to let it all out.

[KahneFan]

Being a 97', how many miles does that bad boy have on it? My Mom has a 97' and she's about to hit 200K. But, she takes GREAT care of it, probably 3 or 4x better care than I take of mine. Her 97' will probably last longer than my 06' . But, your 97' (if it was used), being a Z71 may very well have been road hard and then sold when it was about to fall apart.