One brand is called the Lock-Rite or L.A. Locker. The other is the Detroit Locker or No-Spin. Both of these act very similar. When driving in a straight line the locker is normally locked. On dry pavement, when cornering, the outer wheel over-running the speed of the axle unlocks the outside axle shaft.
Power is applied to the inside wheel only.
This can cause a noticeable under-steer. Additionally, if enough power is applied while in the turn, the axle will lock up and the vehicle either slips wildly, spins or straightens out suddenly. This type of differential is not suitable for front axle use in vehicles with disconnect axles in the front. Disconnect axles are used on the front end of some newer vehicles. They are considered by some a nice feature and by others a terrible fault.