Our Story:
Different Strokes of Alaska is the 20 year favorite go-to destination for Ford diesel and truck service in Anchorage, AK. We employ 19 of Alaska's best employees combining for over 100 years of experience working with Ford trucks. Our technicians and parts folks have diverse experience from local to abroad with a mix of military, local and dealer trained mechanics. Our professional and expert service ensures you receive consistent, high-quality, care from a passionate team specializing in your truck and engine.
Our founding father, Ron Stout, a Ford Master and tough as nails Vietnam Vet, was known nationwide as a master of Ford Diesel engines, recognized by Ford Motor Co. He was challenged with testing performance and parts with arctic like conditions. He employed a small staff of highly trained experts who built Different Strokes of Alaska's reputation and was known for his dedication to Ford, hard work and integrity driven business practices. Ron was well liked and had a smile and a story for every occasion. "Living the Dream", was his response to anyone that asked how he was doing. In 2025 Ron passed but he will never be forgotten.
In 2019, Justin Hardgrove took the reins and expanded the business to provide Alaska a more expeditious service. Having been known for longer wait times years ago, Justin developed a way to increase turn times by adding additional support staff and 4,000 square feet to the already 11,000sqft operation. Justin's Marine Corps and Wall Street background combined for discipline and business expertise to take Ron's exceptional service to the next level. With now 15,000 Sqft, 13 Bays, $1,000,000 inventory and 19 skilled employees using state of the art equipment, Different Strokes of Alaska is the highest volume independent truck shop in Alaska. We are pleased to be #1 rated with over 1,000 5-star online reviews,
Different Strokes of Alaska believes in using Ford factory knowledge and the highest-quality parts, because we know when you’re out in the middle of nowhere or just headed to work, you need components that won’t fail.
Alaska's demanding driving conditions require your truck be prepared for anything; icy roads, heavy loads, rustic trails or daily driving, we ensure your truck delivers the best reliability possible. Daily commuters and adventurers alike count on us to keep their vehicles running smoothly, so they can focus on the road ahead without worry.
Mission Statement:
To Provide the Best Ford Diesel and Truck Repair in Alaska.
THE OIL CHANGE
This is a commonly underestimated service often dismissed by life's demands, or sacrificed to the lowest bidder as a way to save a few dollars. We regard this service to be one of the most important. The lifeblood within directly impacts your engine's performance and longevity so using the same fluids expressly requested by the manufacturer is vital. Our service is provided with Ford and Motorcraft parts only. Using the highest quality products ensure the best possible performance while providing the best chance to extend your engine and lubricated components life. While waiting for the oil to drain, our service masters physically inspect your steering, chassis, suspension, brakes, lights, all fluids and look for obvious failures surrounding your engine and transmission. We then lubricate the chassis to ensure maximum life within your joints that require regular service. Once completed we provide a detailed explanation of all found, potential failures, recommended services and immediate safety concerns.
FLUIDS
Meeting Factory specification for extreme conditions (Alaska) requires preventive service intervals for peak performance. Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission fluid, Oil, Diesel Exhaust Fluid, Transfer Case or Differential Gear Oil must all be monitored for water intrusion, leaks and failures. With our regular inspection and proper recommended change intervals, quite a bit of damage can be prevented. We check these regularly and make recommendations as needed.
STEERING, SUSPENSION, BRAKES, CHASSIS
Alaska puts components to the test in Alaska and sometimes we encourage a slight upgrade to an aftermarket component to make the challenging infrastructure we face here a bit more comfortable. Towing, haulinging or pushing is also required often. Improving the factory design or adding extra support is a normal part of Alaskan life and we can make excellent recommendations on how to improve each of these challenges.
EMISSIONS AND ELECTRICAL SERVICE
Emissions and electrical systems often require complex diagnoses with original equipment interface, Different Strokes of Alaska has it all. We have the training, knowledge and equipment to make sure your truck's systems are working within specification and continue to function with reliability. Some of the climatic extremes that can create hard to find failures in these proprietary components make for expert level diagnosis and repair
POWERTRAIN
Different Strokes of Alaska recommends and has priority service for Ford Factory Remanufactured Engines and Transmissions. When catastrophic failure occurs, engines and transmissions from Ford are an excellent way to guarantee the highest quality and best reliability. These units and any Ford components purchased separately come with a 2 or 3 year parts and labor warranty from DSOA or the Ford Dealer in any location throughout the country.