Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) winter start-up/cold running

[MarkVL]

I drive a '95 3500, dually, auto, 12 valve. I live in western MT and winter is already showing it's teeth. When air temp is below 30F, After start up, if I don't let my truck warm up so temp guage is at least 140 (and preferrably into normal op. range), it exhausts fine white smoke and runs verrry sluggishly. I always warm it up some, but, in deep winter this takes lots of time. Doesn't seem right. Did I miss some update?? (saw a thread for 24 valve which said a dealer update fixed this). Anyone else experience this?

Thanks in advance! Mark.