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It really depends on each bike, chain, sprockets, etc. How easily the front sprocket comes off really depends on how loose the chain already is.
You'll probably need to loosen the chain tension to install the 17t sprocket, and you might potentially need to add a link, it just depends on how much slack the chain already has, and how much room you have to slacken it.
I would have to disagree with Jerry on one point, countershaft vs. rear sprocket, adding/subtracting teeth on the sprockets, given the same quantity of teeth being changed, will always lead to the same length chain, or the same amount of change needing to be made, for example, both 11/49 and 17/43 can use the same length chain, if installed on the same bike. If you went -2 on the rear sprocket teeth count, you could certainly use the same chain.
To wit: +2/-2 is the same effective chain length as -2/+2 in terms of front and rear sprockets. You'll get a higher percentage gearing change from changing the countershaft sprocket, since it's smaller, so it would have a more drastic effect.
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