stock 1973 318 V8 starts but won't idle without foot on pedal

25 years? And you got it running? The hard part is done. 4-1/2 turnd on idle screws, too much. Carb needs a good thorough cleaning. And a load of sea foam in gas tank.
Paper type egg carton, take parts off and out of carb and keep them organized. Clean and re-assemble with new parts from kit.
Just a casual observer here, wanted to say I really dig the egg carton trick! Small Parts are a pain!