Abstract: A housing with a mandrel therein is adapted to be connected in a rotary drill string. The housing and mandrel are constructed and arranged to support the work load of the rotary drill string as well as dissipate both longitudinal and radial impact or shock loads that the drill string may encounter. The construction also includes means whereby radial impacts applied to the drilling assembly are connected or translated into longitudinal components of force so that various combinations of longitudinal and/or radial impact or shock loading of the drill string may be dissipated in a manner to inhibit damage to the drill string and its components.