I am thinking about getting a locker, but I don't know anything about them, any brands or types I should stay away from?

 

If you seriously off-road with some rock crawling mixed in then you can't beat the locker I have (see my signature). If you drive mostly in dirt, mud or snow, then check this out:
http://www.ring-pinion.com/gear/g1298.shtml
I don't know if it is available for the 8.8 rear but it may be worth a call to Randy's to find out. According to the web site, it is as comfortable as an open rear with serious locking capibilities.

 

913A311 is the part# for 8.8", 31-spline unit for Ford rear diff. I have used true-trac with success in dirt trac racing applications (9" Ford).