Need IDIOT PROOF stereo info

OK I know this has been said and asked 5 million times but I never read a thread that spelled it out completely for me. First off I have a 2004 Regular Cab. The only thing I've done to the factory stereo was intall a JVC CD player from Walmart because I couldn't stand the cassette adapter for my iPod anymore. This little head unit is trying its best to completely trash my factory speakers. I like my music loud and made the mistake of turning the volume up too much too many times before I realized the new headunit was pushing them harder than the factory one. I'm going to college in the fall and my Dad asked me this week what I wanted for graduation. I was thinking about asking for a little stereo overhaul but need a price to give him. I'm thinking all I need is new 2 new speakers and tweeters without an amp or sub. I listen to country and classic rock so I don't need the thumping base. I just want clarity at higher volumes. Can I get away with just putting new speakers in? I think I'm competent enough to run wires to them but is there a way to make this a simple swap out? I don't even know where to start there are so many brands out there. I need links and a definite plan with everything I need to make this happen.

Thanks in advance and any advice is welcome. I do want to keep this under $200-250 if at all possible so please don't try to convince me on the subs. If I need an amp to get good sound quality thats fine but if theres a way around that I will probably try that route.