As in, 17" wheels and tires and not a 17" steering wheel right? :D
The diameter of the rims isn't going to make a difference in the effort it takes to turn the steering wheel. Changing the overall height of the tire, width of the tire, or tire compound will though. And of course all of those things could change if you go to 17" rims, so it just depends on what you do with your tire choices. Regardless, with a 24:1 steering box it shouldn't be a problem.