My Dads 92 Bonneville SE made a 'popping noise' described on the forums here today :(

And as predicted, the popping noise was a subsequent result of his rear engine cradle rotting. He sent some pictures via camera phone, and it appears that just the passenger side rotted. Im going over tonight to assess the carnage.

How involved is it to replace the rear engine cradle? Ive replaced the "A-Frame" on my old Dodge Spirit once... this was about 7-8 year ago. It was involved, but nothing that I didnt get done in about 8 hours, doing it myself, and for the first time. Whats the concensus?

It'* not super common for the cradle itself to rust out. Usually it'* a body mount (where cradle is bolted to body) or a subframe bushing.

If it'* the subframe, I'd consider it pretty easy.
Unhook the couple of lines etc that are clipped to it, support the motor from above. Unbolt the PS rack, front and back trans mounts, dogbone mount (underside passenger), pop the ball joints and remove the 6 bolts holding it to the frame

Well good news. It is just a bushing.

How do I replace the bushing/mount? I looked on the web and cannot seem to find it. Besides the dealership, is there a place on the web or parts chain I could find the bushing/mount at?

EDIT: It looks like a big washer is missing. The bolt is still in place, and there doesnt appear to much rust on the frame itself.

Is it possible to just buy the big washer?

It is.. it would be dealer only part.

When I was replacing the bushings I found a couple of the washers to be bad. Went to a local JY and took a couple off a car. Free.

After more investigation... from what I can see... its only one washer that went bad. The bushing looks fine, so does the bolt.

Is it humanely possible that we could get away being so lucky??? (puts hands over head and ducks under chair) LOL

yes..it is.

Check your other washers as well. They are probably not far behind.

Thanks. My Dad found 4 bushings and washers at the local junkyard. Price to be determined.....