Opinion on 1998 Tacoma 4x4

[joetoyota]

I am about buy a 1998 tacoma 4X4 with stick (2.7L). I have two questions: (1)What is manual hub? Do i have to stop the vehicle when engaging/dis-engaging 4X4 mode? Please don't laugh. (2) The truck towed a 18' boat on weekends and 77k miles on it. Do I have to concern about the transmission or other part? The owner said he used only synthetic oil.
Thanks in advance

[JeremyH]

1) manual hubs=locking hubs=you get out of the vehicle to engage. Here is an article on Yota hubs:
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/autohub/
2) if this was a sailboat (usually heavier due to the weight of the keel) I'd ask to be able to pull the diff covers and check the fluid for metal slivers. These will be indicative of excessive wear on the gears. The tranny should be fine. I'd change all fluids in the vehicle as soon as I got it.