Problems with competition and optical joy's

[Abomination]

I just got 2 competition 8 ways and 2 optical 360's today from slikstik with the illuminated ball tops but I'm having problems assembling them.  I set it up the way the instructions show me but there isn't enough room for the C-clips.  Also, It may just be me but the 360 with the joystick in it only moves like 1/4" in either direction, is this right?  It just doesn't feel like a joystick.

If anyone has any diagrams or links to any to assemble these things Id be very appreciative.  Also anyone had any experience with the slikstik balltops?  They are not machined the same diameter or length as the normal sticks, I'm assuming they just built in the wood sleeve!?

[2600]

This isn't Slikstik specific, but shouldn't be that different.

P360
http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/50608300.htm

Competition
http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/competition_joy.htm