Method for fastening gearbox housing components using reduced shank fasteners

A method of fastening a first, a second and a third gearbox housing components together, comprising:

• selecting a gearbox housing fastener comprising a single straight shaft having a longitudinal axis, a first threaded portion, a single cylindrical central portion, and a second threaded portion, wherein the first and second threaded portions separated by the single cylindrical central portion, wherein:
• the single cylindrical central portion comprises a single reduced diameter that is less than a first minor diameter of the first threaded portion and a second minor diameter of the second threaded portion,
• the first and second threaded portions are chamfered to reduce friction on leading threads, and
• the gearbox housing fastener comprises a material that has a tensile strength along the longitudinal axis that is greater than a sheer strength at the single cylindrical central portion;
• and
• fastening the first, second and third gearbox housing components together with the gearbox housing fastener, wherein the first and third gearbox housing components are fastened with the first and second threaded portions, or one or more nuts attached thereto, and the second gearbox housing component is positioned around the single cylindrical central portion, wherein the gearbox housing fastener provides a clearance between the second gearbox housing component and the single cylindrical central portion of the gearbox fastener.