The differential is essentially one link in the chain of components that transmit power from a car or truck's engine to the wheels. The differential transmits different amounts of power to the wheels at a right angle from the drive shaft to one of the car's axles.
A locking differential will transmit the same amount of power to both wheels on the axle - which is very useful in 4WD applications where a truck might be stuck and have problems getting out of deep mud or snow.
Limited slip and open differentials will allow the wheels to get varying amounts of power from the engine, affecting the amount of traction your wheels can attain. For instance if you are in a 4x4 truck and you are stuck on some rocks with one wheel in the air, an open differential senses that one wheel of the axle isn't getting much traction and will send more power to the wheel in the air, which is ineffective. But if you have a locker, it will apply the same amount of power to both and you'll be able to get free.
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