A brake (10) for the drive shaft of a vehicle or machine includes a housing (11) having an open end (12) which is adapted to be attached to the vehicle. A shaft is received in the housing (11) and is adapted to be attached to the vehicle drive shaft for rotation therewith. The shaft has a splined outer surface. A disc assembly (30) includes a plurality of rotatable discs (29) carried by the splined surface of the shaft, a plurality of stationary discs (32) which alternate with the rotatable discs (29) and a primary stationary disc (33) located at the end of the disc assembly (30), proximate to the open end (12) of housing (11). As mounted, a plurality of springs (42) cause the stationary discs (32) to engage the rotatable discs (29) to apply a braking torque to the shaft. A piston (21) is moveable to oppose the spring force and allow free rotation of the rotating discs (29). Prior to mounting, a plurality of shipping bolts (25) hold the disc assembly (30) together and axially aligned. Prior to mounting, springs (42) are held in place by a spring retaining ring (40) and by pin assemblies (44).