This 1986 Jeep CJ-7 for sale by private party in Sacramento, California is a well-sorted classic that's been thoughtfully upgraded and carefully maintained over more than two decades of ownership. Purchased by the seller in 2005, the Jeep received a professionally installed Chevrolet 350 V8 conversion the following year and has been backed by extensive records ever since. With California smog certification, a desirable T18 four-speed transmission, quality suspension upgrades, and a recent $4,500 mechanical service, this CJ-7 is ready for trails, backroads, and sunny weekend cruising alike.
- Professionally Built V8: The centerpiece of this CJ-7 is its professionally installed Chevrolet 350 crate engine conversion completed in 2006 at a cost of approximately $16,000. The build included throttle-body fuel injection, new headers, an aluminum radiator, custom exhaust with Flowmaster muffler, rebuilt T18 four-speed manual transmission with granny-low first gear, and upgraded one-piece alloy rear axles. Unlike many V8-swapped Jeeps, this conversion was inspected and certified by the California Smog Check Referee, making it fully smog legal in California.
- Trail-Proven Drivetrain: The rebuilt T18 transmission remains one of the most sought-after manual gearboxes in the Jeep world thanks to its exceptionally low first gear and rugged construction. Combined with the torque-rich Chevy small block, the result is a CJ that feels equally at home crawling obstacles, cruising back roads, or heading to the local cars-and-coffee gathering.
- Lifted Stance: A professionally installed Rubicon Express Extreme Duty 4.5-inch suspension lift gives the Jeep its aggressive stance and trail-ready capability. The suspension upgrade included new springs and shocks and is complemented by 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires mounted on polished Pro Comp 15x8 alloy wheels. The combination delivers the classic CJ look enthusiasts have been chasing for decades.
- Functional Interior: Inside, the Jeep has been upgraded with Bestop TrailMax II Pro reclining high-back bucket seats up front and a rear bench seat for passengers. A Tuffy Series II security console and matching locking glovebox add valuable secure storage, while the entire tub has been Rhino-lined for durability and easy cleanup after trail use. It's a practical interior built for actual Jeep ownership rather than garage-only duty.
- Documented Ownership: One of the strongest attributes of this CJ is its extensive documentation. The seller has retained receipts and service records dating back to 2005. Most recently, Modern Classic Automotive completed a comprehensive $4,500 service in June 2026, including a complete ignition tune-up, fuel system service, front and rear brake overhaul, wheel bearing service, axle seal replacement, and a successful California smog inspection on June 10, 2026. The Jeep is mechanically sorted and ready to enjoy.
There are plenty of modified CJ-7s on the market, but very few combine a professionally executed V8 conversion, California smog legality, extensive service history, and long-term ownership documentation. Add in the desirable T18 transmission, quality suspension upgrades, and recent mechanical investment, and you have a CJ that delivers the classic Jeep experience without the uncertainty that often accompanies heavily modified vintage 4x4s.
Key Features & Specs
- Chevrolet 350 V8 crate engine conversion
- Throttle-body fuel injection
- California Smog Referee certified and smog legal
- Rebuilt T18 4-speed manual transmission
- Granny-low first gear
- One-piece alloy rear axles
- New headers
- Aluminum radiator
- Custom exhaust system
- Flowmaster muffler
- Rubicon Express Extreme Duty 4.5-inch lift
- 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires
- Pro Comp 15x8 polished alloy wheels
- Bestop TrailMax II Pro reclining front seats
- Rear bench seat
- Tuffy Series II security console
- Locking Tuffy glovebox
- Rhino-lined tub
- Hanson Enterprise 60-inch rear bumper
- Swing-away tire and cargo carrier
- Extensive receipts and service records since 2005
- $4,500 service completed June 2026
- Passed California smog inspection June 2026
Known Cosmetic Notes
- The Jeep presents well overall but retains some honest cosmetic aging, including clear-coat peeling on portions of the hood and driver's-side front fender.
For buyers seeking a classic CJ with V8 power, modern drivability, documented ownership history, and the rare benefit of California emissions compliance, this professionally built 1986 CJ-7 checks a lot of boxes.