Generally, spinners control the X-Axis (horizontal).
You can change the axis mapping in mame... and maybe Apache has a jumper to switch the axis on the circuit board.
However, not sure you realize it or not... but Apache does not utilize two axis as the same time. It uses 2 switches for the up and down y-axis (digital, not analog). Each of those switches can be mapped in mame, using the Tab button, and going into the controller configuration menu.
Also, Discs of Tron only uses the Up/Down controls in stages later than 5. (I think it starts on stage 6 or 7). Not everyone is good enough to even make it to those levels... so many havnt even realized that you do gain vertical control eventually.