when I last got my 1979 civic serviced, they told me that i should consider replacing the "strut inserts". this was quoted (with wheel alignment) at around $550.

A few questions:
1. what exactly are "strut inserts" - obviously part of the suspension, but which bit exactly
2. is it really necessary to replace them
3. is $550 a reasonable price, are the parts themselves very expensive
4. is it something that can easily be done by an amateur

sorry for the noob questions, just keen to fix a few things up myself rather than spend heaps of $$$