Moans & groans: new struts & shocks

Rubber bushings may be shot, or ‘perished’, as the Brits say.

 

Yes, post 2.
Visually look at every rubber bushing you can see related to a suspension movement.
Ideally one would remove said bushings and lubricate (or replace if damaged).
An "easy" way is to purchase a can of aerosol silicon spray and spray every rubber bushing you can see.

Lastly, from your description, I would be inclined to again write the moans and groans are related to suspension movement.
Outside this opinion, there are hood, trunk, door weatherstrips, exhaust and body mount rubber too.
I would not think these sounds are related to any undercarriage panels or engine components.
Of course, if the noises were not there before your shock change, well, the shock rubber mounts would be suspect.

Good hunting

 

As an old man; I take offense to that statement!!!! Just kidding, couldn't help myself - enough moaning & groaning.....

When they did your front struts, did they use a "ready strut" or a bare strut, where they moved everything over; including your old rubber goods? Kenny has the right idea - spray all suspension rubber goods with silicone lube. This is only a temporary fix. You'll still need to replace the offending rubber part for a permanent fix.