AJT Designs Oversize Cup Holder For 3rd Gen Tacoma – Install & Review

As bottles have gotten larger, holders seem to have remained the same. The 3rd Gen’s cup holder location, size, and design are often overlooked. However, when you’re driving down a bumpy road, and all you can hear is your water bottle being tossed around, it becomes incredibly annoying and distracting. If you bring larger bottles, the problem becomes amplified because there’s nowhere to store them. I usually keep a 24oz Hydroflask or a couple of standard Nalgene bottles on hand almost daily, so I needed a solution.

After a quick search, I found several options: a universal insert (which doesn’t look great) and AJT’s OEM replacement. Since I try to maintain an OEM+ aesthetic, I opted to try out the latter. If you’re looking for another alternative, check out the Z-Precision replacement.

Installation Overview

If you ever intend to modify your truck, removing the interior trim around your console will become commonplace.

This part is a direct drop-in replacement and requires no permanent modification. The installation took me less than 10 minutes in total. There’s a relatively low risk of breaking anything, and AJT provides an excellent video tutorial.

Here’s a brief overview of the installation process:

• Step 1. Remove the shift knob and pull your parking brake up for maximum clearance to manipulate your console piece, as shown in the image above. There is no need to remove the parking brake handle.
• Step 2. Carefully lift your console and disconnect the white wire harness beneath it. This can be tricky to do and may require assistance from a flathead screwdriver.
• Step 3. Flip the console over and, using any standard #2 Phillips head screwdriver, remove each of the (5) screws holding the OEM holder in place.
• Step 4. Replace with the AJT unit and secure it with the same (5) screws.
• Step 5. Reinstall everything you previously disconnected.

Note: When you go to reassemble, follow the instructions carefully to ensure you don’t bend or break any existing red tabs while pressing everything back into place. Everything should go back together smoothly, and it is normal for a bit of resistance to be felt.

Initial Impressions

Overall, the black finish blends in with the rest of the interior and looks OEM. I have found no issue easily placing multiple variations of larger (normal in my mind) bottles in the holder and have not had any issues with them rattling out on rough terrain like washboard gravel roads or rocky OHV campsite trails. It looks like it was supposed to be there all along.

One Drawback

One issue I have noticed over several months following installation is that the center spring-loaded piece (the one that sits in the center of your cup holder now) fits securely in the newly installed one, but you can’t use it, and a larger bottle at the same time. This means that if you have one large and one small bottle, the latter won’t be secured.

Is this a deal breaker? Not for me. I just keep that piece in my center console in case I need to put a smaller bottle inside, which is rare.

Final Thoughts

This is a practical and well-thought-out accessory for the 3rd Gen. It would also make a great gift this holiday season! If you or anyone you know has ever been frustrated with the limited capacity of the stock cup holders, this product is a must-have. Simple, effective, and built to last, AJT nailed it with this one!