Abstract: In the preferred mode of the present invention, the bottom end of a connector sleeve couples the non-rotating sleeve to the top drive swivel. The top end of the connector sleeve rotatably impinges on a non-rotating member of the top drive directly, the top drive longitudinal carriage, or a combination of the two. Rotation of the top drive out put shaft will transmit a force to the non-rotating sleeve through seal friction until the top end of the connector sleeve contacts a non-rotating body of the top drive's longitudinal carriage or the top drive directly or both. Upon contact, the non-rotating sleeve will resist the torque aided by the connector sleeve and overcome the seal friction transmitted to the non-rotating sleeve. The top drive and connector move axially in tandem and even have some capability of relative axial movement while resisting further relative rotation while facilitating assembly of the components.