Can I install this without disconnecting the battery?

Best practice is to disconnect the negative battery terminal before tapping into any electrical circuits. This prevents accidental shorts while you're working with the wiring harness and switch.

Does the switch need to be hardwired or can it plug in?

The switch comes with a wiring harness that needs to be spliced into your truck's electrical system. You'll want to run power through a relay to avoid overloading your factory panel — consult your vehicle's service manual for the best tap points.

Will the smoke lens still put out enough light?

Smoke tint reduces output slightly compared to clear, but fog lights are supplemental lighting. For night driving where fog lights are your primary source, you may want to verify brightness meets your needs before committing to the install.