Will this work as a direct swap for my OEM brake light?

Yes. This mounts at factory location without modification. You'll swap out the old unit and install the new one using existing mounting points — no drilling or bracket fabrication required.

Do I need to do any wiring work to install this?

Installation depends on whether you're keeping the OEM connector or adapting to a new harness. Confirm your vehicle's wiring setup before purchasing. If you're unfamiliar with vehicle electrics, have a tech handle the connection to avoid reverse polarity or ground issues.

What's the difference between LED and the stock halogen unit?

LED runs brighter, stays cooler, and lasts much longer than halogen. Power draw is also lower, so less strain on your charging system. The trade-off is LED is not dimmable — it's on or off.