Update:
Replaced the thumb sticks for a total of $6.99. on a scale of 1-10, it was about a 3. Pretty easy. As for the range, I did some research and found the antenna in the GamePad does tend to go bad for time to time. Good news on that front it an official replacement part is only 8.99 and its even easier to replace than the thumb sticks.
"We might be in business folks"
I might finally be able to beat ZombiU before the sequel is announced....nevermind, I've said too much!