An engine control system 10 is operable to provide an engine fueling rate equal to the larger of a first engine fueling rate at which the resulting engine torque is limited by a maximum input torque capacity of a presently engaged gear ratio of the transmission 16 and a second engine fueling rate at which the resulting engine torque is limited by a nominal input torque capacity of the transmission 16. The foregoing technique can be enabled at all times, or alternatively only after determination that the vehicle is experiencing deceleration under heavy engine load conditions. The engine control system 10 may be further operable to determine a third engine fueling rate at which the resulting engine output torque is limited by a maximum operating torque capacity of the transmission propeller shaft 18, as well as a fourth engine fueling rate at which the resulting engine output torque is limited by a maximum operating torque capacity of the drive axle 20 connected thereto. The actual engine fueling rate is then chosen to be the minimum of the larger of the first and second engine fueling rates, the third engine fueling rate, and the fourth engine fueling rate. This technique can be enabled either at all times, or alternatively only when the presently engaged gear ratio is one of a set of lower gear ratios of the transmission 16.