I hate this, overheating, engine idling high

[lil hoodlum]

Hello everyone.

I will admit this up front I'm more of a parts changer than mechanic!

I have an issue I would like to run by those more experienced than me.

Today as I was driving my 1968 1/2 ton, the engine was idling high after a quick 5 minute drive down the interstate. 4 o'clock in the afternoon out side temp 100* plus outside. This was as I was exiting the interstate and came to a stop. Clutch peddle was depressed, 3 speed manual. I arrived at my destination and the motor would not idle down. I popped open the hood and backed out the idle stop screw. The engine was very hot. I tried to squeeze the upper radiator hose put it seems to be under a lot of pressure. I'm thinking it just might be the radiator cap needs replacing. Temperature gauge says it is at 180* but who knows. Once I got home I pulled off the radiator cap and some coolant whooshed out and the upperhose was not full of pressure. Motor still runs rough with a little back firing out the exhaust.

I have been thinking that my motor has been getting too hot lately. After driving it and with ignition off, the motor seems to be radiating alot of heat. Everything attached to the motor is also very hot.

OK stats are:

• 350 motor, non-computer controlled
  3 speed manual trans
  4 row radiator less than two years old
  has fan shround
  stock mechanical fan, no fan clutch
  reman water pump, less than two years old
  180* thermostat
  edlebrock 1406 carb with 1/4 inch heat insulator
  Auto meter electric temperature gauge
  Coolant is a nice bright green color
  No overflow tank

Tomorrow I am going to replace fuel filter (its been a long while since I replace it.) Replace waterpump, thermostat, upper and lower radiator hoses, replace radiator cap, adjust valves (also been a long time since I done that.) I also may pull the carb and check the internals to see if anything is amiss.

Am I missing anything?
Any other suggestions on something I should check?

Thank you for any input!

Keith