I recently dropped the front subframe out of my mini complete so I could get to work on stripping the engine bay but now I am looking to strip down the subframe.

Having never done this before the trusty orange book gives a run down on how to remove the engine whilst it is in the car. My question before I tackle it is how do I release the pot joints with weight on wheels? Or will they come off when I lift the engine?

Remove the clips or cable ties on the pot joint boots, the shafts and joints will come out when you lift.
Don't lose yer balls- they do tend to roll away out of sight.
To refit on assembly, you will need to undo one or both top balljoints for room.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Cool so I don't have to undo the rest of the suspension like I would if it was in the car? I can pull all that down after removing the engine?

Yes.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I prefer to use a big screwdriver to pop the pot joints off the gearbox... so if I had the subframe on the ground I'd put iit on some stands and take the suspension apart before pulling the motor out of it

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

I can't see it makes any difference....

Definitely easier without the body getting in the way.

Cheers, Ian

You can do it that way with the suspension together. In the process of lifting the motor you can swing the motor to one side far enough to slide a pot joint out, then do the other side. When putting the engine back in, fit the pot joint onto the diff and simply push the motor into the driveshaft and the weight of the motor will slide it all together when the joint bottoms out internally. Do the other side the lower the engine the rest of the way.