Newer style mounts have a min height before replacement.

Just how "loose" the engine feels pulling laterally against the valve cover and how the engine sits- I can tell. The mounts have narrow sides and when the engine mount collapses, it becomes solid-transmitting the side to side movement into the body.
yes, the dampeners can make a big difference.

Michael

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Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E