Words: KRISTIE REAL
Photos: WILL MCDOUGLE
“I REALLY WANTED TO SEE HOW CRAZY WE COULD GO WITH IT BUT STILL MAKE IT A FULLY FUNCTIONING 4X4 AND DAILY DRIVER – ALL THE WHILE WINNING AWARDS AT BIG TRUCK SHOWS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.”
For his first truck build, Ryan Walker didn’t hold back. His goal was to assemble a fully functional truck that could impress at shows as well as on the road and so “Black Tie Affair” was born. Ryan is no stranger to the customizing world. He first started modding vehicles with his brother 10 years ago, the 36-year-old entrepreneur details. In 2018, he built a DDR Motorsport Grullón GT8 kit car and then purchased the notorious “Limitless” build that same year, which was a 2016 SEMA build that has also graced our pages. He eventually sold it to fund something “bigger and better.”
That’s how this Ram Mega Cab truck came into existence. “I really wanted to see how crazy we could go with it but still make it a fully functioning 4×4 and daily driver – all the while winning awards at big truck shows across the country,” Ryan details.
As a self-proclaimed “Dodge guy,” his goal was to add “some crazy aspects” that haven’t been properly done on a truck of that size. He enlisted the help of the crew at KEG Media, who was instrumental in linking him up with all of his current sponsors and builder Elite Customs. With a clear vision in mind, he got to work with his team behind him and began what would be his biggest project to date.
To match the mega-size of the Ram, the suspension needed to have a higher-than- average lift. The Ultimate Air Ride 12”- 18” suspension gives the massive height that impresses at shows, while also providing a smooth ride on the streets. Combined with FOA shocks, a Wilwood big brake kit, and build-out by Elite Customs, the truck commands attention everywhere Ryan drives it. Performance enhancements that make it perform like a champ include a Flo~ Pro exhaust, AirDog Pure Flow filter, S&B intake system, PPEI tune, SCT Performance tuner and PSC performance steering.
The full fiberglass front and rear fenders aren’t normally seen on show trucks on this level, which is exactly why Ryan wanted to add them. As a favorite modification, the addition of the fenders gives it a different and sophisticated look that lives up to its classy moniker. In addition, Black Tie Affair was given suicide doors with shaved door handles that resemble some of the finest Italian sports cars. Interco Super Swampers 44-inches tall wrapped around American Force Jester wheels give it a proper stance to compete and set itself apart in the custom truck show scene.
Adorning Black Tie Affair is a plethora of lighting accessories that light up the rig’s path come nightfall and adds to the overall sexiness of its exterior, along with the Rhino Hitch, Retrax bed cover and AMP Research power steps.
While no real challenges arose during the build- up of the truck, Ryan does admit that timing was a huge issue with parts being delivered. But once everything came in, the build was a breeze thanks to his support team. When the truck was unveiled at the 2019 SEMA Show, showgoers couldn’t stop complimenting him on its towering presence among the sea of other highly modified trucks and cars. “I think people were impressed with it, especially given it was my first build,” he admits. “I have had great reviews overall at shows across the country and have been lucky enough to take home a trophy every time.” And we totally get why as Black Tie Affair boasts more than $250K and is one of the most sophisticated builds we’ve seen to date!
