Do I need to drain the cooling system before swapping this tank in?

Depends on your install approach. If you can disconnect the overflow hoses and cap them off quickly, you'll lose minimal coolant. If you want zero spillage, drain the system first using your radiator petcock. Either way, have fresh coolant ready to top off.

Will this bolt straight to the existing brackets?

Yes. This tank uses factory mounting points — no drilling, no fabrication. Line up the tank with the OEM brackets and secure it the same way the original was fastened.

What about hose connections — do I reuse the old hoses?

Your existing overflow hoses should reconnect to the fittings on this tank. Inspect them for cracks or hardness first; if they're brittle or split, replace them while you're in there. New hoses are cheap insurance against leaks.