FEATURED

1986 Jeep CJ-7

$18,000

Year

1986

Make

Jeep

Model

CJ-7

Odometer

37,372 (TMU)

Engine

Chevrolet 5.7L V8

Fuel Type

gasoline

Transmission

manual

Drivetrain

4×4

VIN / Chassis #

1JCCF87E6GT034317

Seller

private party

Location

Sacramento, CA

Title Status

clean
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.

Contact Seller

Fast & Easy Auto Loans

Fourbie and LightStream have teamed up to provide financing options for your 4x4 purchase.

Secure Pay & Title Transfer

KeySavvy makes it safer and easier to buy and sell cars with secure pay and title transfer.

Partner services are offered by Fourbie Exchange. When you choose to use their services, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

This page contains information provided by the seller. Sellers are required to submit information that is true and correct. We have not independently verified the information or details about any vehicles for sale. By using this page, including inquiring via the form on this page, you accept the terms of our Terms of Use.

Suspect fraud or inaccurate details? Let us know.