Yes front struts can get weak. They can be refurbished so I am told. Havent don it myself.

I am surprised the shop said you were good to go on a older vehicle like that. On my 93 400E I went in for a front end alignment and my tie rod sheared off in the guys hand, they didnt even charge for labor just had to get a new one. I bought some new tires, did the alignment to keep up the warranty on the tires. So hopefully it will all last till next year when i do the A arms and struts since I have replaced most of everything else.