[GregN]

As you can see from my signature, that is my rig. I have been up and down the Ashland Grade a few times. I will admit with the older truck, I don't fly up the hills, but I get there. I found the adding an exhaust brake helps a great deal, coming down the hills. Compared to driving that grade without it, night and day. Some hills when on the downside, I have to step on the go pedal, as the exhaust brake slows me down that much. Sure saves on the brakes, as I am hardly on them. The engine size in the 2500, is the same as the 3500. You will notice you are not as fast going up the hills. I have seen some newer trucks, pulling rigs, as big as mine, just fly up the hills. But that puts stress on the engine. Let the tranny do it's work. You might want to look into putting air ride on the back axle of your truck,for the new weight, I know I like mine.