This Wild 1990 Humvee Packs A 6.5L Diesel, Rear Steer, And 42-inch Tires

This 1990 AM General M998 HMMWV is a vehicle that stops people in their tracks. All it takes is one glance to see that there’s a lot going on with this rig. The most obvious modifications are the meaty 42s and the rear-steer setup, but a closer inspection reveals an even lengthier list of functional upgrades.

A Build Inspired By Military Experience

The mastermind behind this rig is Christopher Anicito, a retired military reservist and paramedic who now works in law enforcement. Building a HMMWV, commonly known as a Humvee, was an easy decision. “I drove them in the military and always liked their design,” he says.

Christopher bought the rig at auction in 2020. “COVID was a miserable time, and I wanted to work on a project that would brighten the mood around the house,” he says. Starting with a mostly stock Humvee, he transformed it into the incredible machine you see here.

Engine Mods Bump Horsepower And Torque

The Hummer is propelled by a turbocharged 6.5-liter Detroit Diesel engine loaded with upgrades for more power and improved reliability. Leading the list is a BMI Commander 6500 turbo kit that’s said to boost horsepower by 50 to 65 percent and add up to 120 pound-feet of torque. Supporting upgrades include a Leroy Diesel-sourced injection pump, upgraded injectors, and a Paradox by Design cooling system that corrects an inherent cooling imbalance known to cause failures and rob the engine of performance.

Backing the diesel is a stock TH400 three-speed automatic transmission and NP218 two-speed transfer case.

Upgraded Half-Shafts, 5 Inches of Lift, 42s

The Humvee’s portal axles were fortified with beefier half-shafts to handle the diesel’s added power. The stock 7,500-pound-rated shafts gave way to 10,000-pound-rated units, while Mountain Machine Billet Geared Hub Covers were also added. At the rear, a Bulletproof Rear Steer Humvee Self Centering Rear Steer Kit dramatically tightens the turning radius or helps the rig maneuver around obstacles when needed. Chris operates the system with a simple two-button controller, one button for left and the other for right.

To make room for the 42-inch tires, the Humvee sits 5 inches taller thanks to a Rubber Duck 4×4 Stage 3 lift kit and springs from Midwest Military Equipment. Beefier custom Radflo shocks help keep everything under control. Putting power to the ground are massive 42×13.50R20LT Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires wrapped around 9.5-inch-wide Black Rhino Abrams wheels.

Significant Exterior Mods

Christopher’s Humvee is loaded with functional exterior upgrades. Up front, a Liquid Iron Industries custom winch bumper and brush guard pack a Mile Marker SEC 15 winch, while a Hummercore front light bar mount carries an LED light bar. The upgrade list also includes a Midwest Military Equipment hood scoop, Jeremy Johnson rock sliders, and a Blue Ox soft top and doors.

Another standout addition is the Rubber Duck 4×4 Slantbac Pac Rac that keeps essential equipment safely and neatly organized. It carries a full-size spare, LED lighting, and Military Pioneer Kit. Additionally, a Hi-Lift Jack, a Viair air compressor, and multiple fluid containers, among other things. Finally, the rig has custom paint, not a wrap.

Functional Interior Upgrades

Inside, Christopher gave the Humvee a long list of functional upgrades. A custom military radio console houses CB and amateur radios, while switch panels and Speedhut gauges keep critical systems within easy reach. The 2,000-watt audio system features marine-grade components from JL, Clarion, Kicker, and Rockford Fosgate.

Smittybilt Jeep-application seats wear Seat Covers Unlimited Neo-Sport quilted custom covers for added comfort. It’s also worth noting that the Humvee still runs a 24-volt electrical system, so Christopher installed voltage regulators to power 12-volt accessories.

A Patriotic Build  

We met Chris and photographed his Humvee at the 2026 Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals, where it attracted plenty of attention.

He says, “I have to thank my wife for all her help and support. Also, a huge thank you to Liquid Iron Industries in Berlin, New Jersey, which saw my vision and helped make it a reality. From the front winch bumper to the rear steering system, they were an integral part of the build.”

Chris sums up the rig this way: “The Humvee is a patriotic build celebrating my time in the military and the work I have done in the civil services.”