I didn't have photos (done long ago) but yes, I explained what I did.

 

I replaced mine with heater hose.I enclosed it in foam pipe insulation to protect the rubber hose.Its worked fine for 10 yrs.Just support the hose correctly.

 

Since my E150 was low, plus in the winter, we have to go over ice chunks to park -- I felt I needed more protection. I once ripped out the Crankcase Sensor from my GM car.

I understand that City life presents some peculiar challenges most people don't have to face.

 

I've seen oil pans sliced through front-to-rear, resembling The Titanic's fatal blow not to mention 100's more horror stories from city street debris and crazy azzhat drivers!

I myself had to deal with sagging DIY rear heater hoses drooping onto the front drive shaft yoke creating a leak and naturally I was a considerable distance from anywhere convenient. Henry your idea of the protective trough is great and highly recommended by someone already been there, done that on exposed rear heating/cooling lines!