a self - stabilizing dry viscous spring damper is provided for absorbing shock that is particularly resistant to instability due to nonaxial deformation . the damper comprises opposed first and second outer housing members which are elastomerically associated with a shear spring . a selectively pressurizable gas chamber is provided having a subchamber disposed in association therewith which includes , preferably , a plurality of elastomeric particles . a rigid structural assembly with deformable bushing and metal bearing members is included in the damper for stabilizing the device upon relative compressive movement of the first and second outer housing members . that is , the deformable bushing is provided to allow controlled nonaxial deformation to a maximum predetermined limit . past this maximum deformation limit nonaxial forces are entirely carried by the rigid assembly . an inner housing is provided which includes outer wall portions configured in an arcuate bell - like configuration to engage the deformable elastomeric shear springs upon compression of the damper . the form of the inner housing wall portions allows engagement of the shear springs in a nonfrictional manner .