In one aspect of the present invention, a section of a drill string has a drill bit with a body intermediate a shank and a working face, the working face having at least one cutting element. A jack element is disposed within the drill bit body and has a distal end substantially protruding from the working face. A drive shaft is in communication with the jack element and a rotary source. The drive shaft has a first portion secured within a bore of a tool string component in the tool string and a second portion secured within a bore of the drill bit. The first and second portions of the drive shaft are connected at a pin and box connection wherein the first and second portions are automatically connected as the tool string component is mechanically coupled to the drill bit.