Cleaning crankshaft and transmission

What are the best products or process to clean the crankshaft and transmission?

The engine is in bits hence access is not an issue although the crankshaft and transmission shafts are still assembled.

A bloke at work recommended soaking in gunk then a hot trip through the dishwasher but I would be worried about corrosion.

I'd be more worried about the reaction from the wife/girlfriend when she finds out about what was done to the dishwasher! Some women don't mind if the appliance is cleaned afterwards(I use our electric oven to bake painted parts with the kitchen windows open for air flow).

varsol or brake cleaner will do quite fine and when you are done blow them dry with compressed air and then cover them with engine oil or wd-40 then bag them up in a large garbage bag. close it up tight put it away until you want to use them again.