gday all on my 74 2door sed..the front struts are stuffed. is it major bucks to change to over to shockes instead?

The shock absorbers are built into the front struts. The usual repair is to buy a pair of replacement 'shock absorber' inserts, then dismantle the front end & strip the insides out of the struts, as per the workshop manual. Next, insert the new shocks, top up the strut tube with the recomended oil [as a heat transfer medium], & stick it all back together. Many people take the opportunity to replace the front springs with lowered ones at this time.

By the time you have it back together you will have improved the ride quality, the safety, & with lowered springs included, the handling & the appearance.
Sounds to me like a good reason to do it.