These days not everyone has the scratch to dump into a high-dollar trail machine, but our lust for four-wheeling forces some of us to dig deep into our lint-laden pockets and dish out the cash. In the early '90s, U.S. military operations in the Middle East increased the demand for the HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, aka Humvee) so greatly that it pushed AM General to create the Hummer for the civilian market. The vehicle was received well by four-wheelers, yet as popular as it became, we just didn't see many modified Hummers on the trail. We suspect that the Hummer's limited numbers in the wild have something to do with its price. Hummers are expensive, but they sure are cool to admire--and it doesn't hurt to drool just a little.
The popularity of the civilian Hummer as a rugged utilitarian vehicle grew after news coverage of the Gulf War showed the military version--its big brother the M998--barreling through the desert sand and combat zones. The Hummer, while still tanklike, is slightly more civilized, yet rugged enough for a serious off-road enthusiast. Additionally, the rig's 16 inches of factory ground clearance can be greatly enhanced by adding aftermarket suspension and oversized tires. Combine the high ground clearance with the exceptionally wide track width, and the vehicle makes a dependable off-highway machine.
Ryan Hagel from Cota De Caza, California, is the lucky owner of this '94 H1, and has been involved in the automotive industry for 20 years. When he ran across a great deal on this Hummer, he snapped it up and started building. It wasn't long before he had a head-turning, military-looking adventure machine out on the trail--every big kid's dream.
It's no secret that the Hummer...
It's no secret that the Hummer has an expansive interior, and we know that the GI-issue Humvee's creature comforts are akin to a cargo plane's. Keeping that in mind, Ryan fitted this beast with Mastercraft RS Baja Seats for driving comfort. Custom-built aluminum door panels, center console, and passenger console were also installed. This wasn't done just to make the interior show-truck-pretty. After a few days on the trail the H1's interior can be simply dusted off with compressed air, and the floor pan, coated with Tuff Skin bedliner, can be hosed out. Functional simplicity--that's how all vehicles should be constructed.
With the addition of heavy-duty...
With the addition of heavy-duty springs and 39-inch tires, Hagel's Hummer has a massive 18 inches of ground clearance, giving it the ability to roll right over obstacles that would stop some solid-axle differentials in their tracks. Although the 7 1/2-foot track width and 130-inch wheelbase may restrict the H1 to the larger trails, they makes the rig incredibly stable. Ryan had a custom front bumper made for the vehicle since the engine hood opens forward. The bumper unpins and swings down, and tucked underneath is a Warn Heavyweight series M15000 winch for recovery purposes.
Ryan's H1 is powered by the...
Ryan's H1 is powered by the factory 6.5L GM diesel V-8, and the power is transferred to the axles by the original GM 4L80-E four-speed transmission. The 6.5L V-8 is definitely not a go-fast horsepower monster since it only cranks out 205 hp. But the engine does produce 440 lb-ft of torque to push it where it needs to go, especially since the Hummer weighs more than 7,500 pounds.
The Hummer is fitted with...
The Hummer is fitted with lots of intricate tube work and was completed by Twisted Tin Motorsports in Fountain Valley, California. The folks there crafted the front and rear bumpers, spare-tire carrier, rear cage, and roof rack. The racks were a must-have on the H1 so that Ryan could haul enough gear to sustain him on an adventure for a week or two.
Tech Specs
1994 Hummer H1
Drivetrain
Engine: 6.5L GM diesel V-8
Transmission: GM 4L80-E four-speed
Transfer case: 242 AMG all-wheel-drive
Front/rear Axles: AMC 20 portal gearing
Suspension
Springs & Such: Front and rear double A-arm independent suspension with portal boxes at each knuckle offering remote gearing, 1.5-inch-lift H.D. coil springs front and rear
Tires & Wheels: 39x13.50x18 Toyo Open Country Mud Terrain tires, 18x10 Spyder Lock beadlock wheels
Other Stuff: PIAA RS800 H.I.D. Shock Lamps, dual Odyssey batteries, Auto Meter and Pro-Lite gauges, Sony portable navigation system, Tuffy Security Products locking glovebox, Off Road Only LED taillights, Magnaflow Performance exhaust, upgraded upper A-arms and ball joints