[jhautz]

Yep. About sums it up.....

Edit... the only thing I would like to add is it seems to me that the diff almost acts a an antilock brake mechanism for the front tires. When you hit the brakes the weight transfers to the front wheels and unloads the rear wheels usually making them be the first ones to unload and lock up letting the front wheels continute to roll thru the diff action. At least if you never lock up your front wheels you can always steer. Once the front wheels start skidding you have no steering at all.