I'd go along with your soak first and scrub everything with an old toothbrush.
Next, after wiping it dry I'd pop it in an oven (or use a heat gun) to "melt out" any remaining grease or solvent.
Then, give it a wash down with brake clean to rinse off what the heat "soaked out of it". You'll be surprised what all the different roll pins and small parts can hold. I don't mean a hot oven, maybe 200 degrees, just enough to get the buildup thinned out and moving. Brake cleaner has always left a slight residue on my stuff so I always use a final wash of denatured alcohol. It evaporates fast and seems a bit better for the final. So, use the brake cleaner, than scuff, than more brake cleaner and finish with denatured alcohol.
Alumahyde II is pretty thick and you have to apply it in thin coats. It can be a little tough to avoid orange peel. I've found the warmer - 80 degrees or so - the better. I just read a can and it states to apply it between 70 and 90 degrees. You can speed the drying process by circulating 90 degree air (MAX) over the part. All subsequent coats must be applied within 30 minutes. It cures to the touch in around 15 minutes but don't use (re-assemble) the part for 24 hours. Also remember to warm the can itself, that helps. This time of year is tough to get the best result unless you have a shop you can get up to 80 degrees.