Hello!! I am new to this forum. I have my 1990 Oldsmobile 88. Today my step-father and I are under the car to replace my CV boots(they were torn.) However, I found a problem.

In my photos, I have what I believe to be the subframe for the engine/transmission having a broken mount to the regular frame. I am not the most mechanically inclined person, but I do know that this can be problematic if it is not addressed. I have another picture to show the passenger side where there is no problem.

Anyway, the most help someone could give me is to verify if that is a subframe thing or whatever it may be.

Yes, that is the subframe engine cradle thing.

If I had to guess, it'* looking like you have lost the top washer, which in turn dropped the cradle. I believe the rear subframe corners have two connection points each, so you will also want to look at the other mount a bit further up. I believe I can see some of it in the first picture. The main concerns are making sure that the cradle mounting point is still intact, and that the rust hasn't claimed where the subframe mount bolts in to. If there is enough actual metal left on this car, you may wish to consider doing all corners, but with that much rust, it may be a complete can of worms (nightmare edition) once you start cranking on bolts.

Get it addressed quick because the other side is likely next, and it'* likely tearing things up.

So you say top washer. The other 3 mounts seem to be OK structurally, however the rubber is shot and it could have some preventative maintenance. The one that is broken rusted through on the subframe, breaking off from the frame. However, it only corroded right around where the bolt was, so a huge washer could hold the rest of the arm(after derusting and protecting it for the future). Right?

There is actually 6 mounts, 4 in the back, and two in the front. The rears are positioned right next to each other. I looked at it closer, and both rears on that corner have failed.

You'll be after something to this effect (actually the listed part number for your application)
More Information for DORMAN 924043
Dorman 924 043 Subframe Mount Kit | eBay

Unfortunately I don't have any experience in subframe repairs unfortunately, mainly because I live in the desert southwest, and these things don't break out here.

Thank you so much!! This has at least put me in the right direction, thank you so much.

So I looked again under the car, and at the one that broke. From the looks of it, some rust treatment(sand down, prime, paint) and a new bushing kit will work wonders on the car. Which means I was overly worried for nothing. I found a kit for 48 dollars on ebay(same part) and I will probably go ahead and solve this issue. Thank you so much.

Not so sure about that........the rusting is extensive and looks nasty......structurally, it does not look sound....

That was mo thoughts exactly, maybe it just looks worse than it is, but to be honest I'd be afraid to drive it like that, it just looks like an accident waiting to happen.

I agree. The body and subframe do not look safe to park in a driveway. Junk it.

Admittedly, rust is also another factor that I am not very well educated in, but the guys have a good point. There are major structural components that are compromised. Assuming you even can get the subframe bolted back up, the subframe is likely destined to drop again in short order, when the rust weakens the structure further.

This isn't a sand/paint affair, it'* terminal. I have only seen one example brought back to life that was this far along, and it involved a very good fabricator with a welder and an awful lot of time on his hands, and a bunch of metal.